ATTORNEY-GENERAL

Crown Prosecution Service: Pay

Rehman Chishti: To ask the Attorney-General for what performance-related bonuses senior officers of the Crown Prosecution Service are eligible.

Dominic Grieve: Senior civil servants (SCS) employed, by the CPS are eligible for consideration of performance related payments in accordance with Cabinet Office guidelines. For 2009-10, payments of between £1,259 and £12,117 were made to 22 members of the SCS. For Chief Crown Prosecutors, awards of between £666 and £9,675 were made for the same period to 45 members of staff.

Crown Prosecution Service: Pay

Rehman Chishti: To ask the Attorney-General what criteria are used to determine the payment of bonuses to Crown Prosecution Service employees.

Dominic Grieve: The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) reviews the achievement of annual personal objectives and business performance measures in determining performance related pay for staff.

Daniel Ubani

Stephen Barclay: To ask the Attorney-General what information the Crown Prosecution Service holds on the date on which the German authorities  (a) commenced investigations into Dr Daniel Ubani's treatment of David Gray in the UK,  (b) arrested him and  (c) initiated legal proceedings against him.

Edward Garnier: Before 23 March 2009, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had no information on any criminal process contemplated or taken by the German authorities. The CPS has no information on:  (a) when any criminal investigation was commenced by the German authorities; or  (b) whether Dr Ubani was arrested in Germany. The CPS has a copy of a German prosecutor's document, which suggests that legal proceedings were initiated against him on 12 March 2009.

Departmental Sick Leave

Mike Freer: To ask the Attorney-General for how many days on average staff in the Law Officers' Departments in each pay grade were absent from work as a result of ill health in 2009-10.

Dominic Grieve: The information requested is contained in the following table.
	
		
			  Average working days lost 2009-10 
			  Grade  TSOL  SFO  CPS  NFA( 1) 
			 AA (2)41.7 - 12.1 - 
			 AO 14.1 (2)23.4 10.8 - 
			 EO 9.8 11.4 9.6 0.7 
			 HEO 4.8 3.9 7.8 0.6 
			 SEO 2.6 12.1 5.4 0.15 
			 G7 5.8 3.2 8.1 0.29 
			 G6 4.0 4.0 7.2 0.3 
			 SCS 2.9 5.5 2.8 0 
			 (1) The NFA was launched on 1 October 2008 with a staff base of predominantly interim and temporary employees. During 2009-10 the Agency began a process of recruiting permanent civil service staff and therefore the average figures are depressed by there being less than the full complement of staff in post throughout the whole year. (2) In both cases relatively small numbers of people were employed at these grades, and the figures for average working days lost have consequently been heavily distorted by a very small number of staff who were on long term sick leave.

Euthanasia: Switzerland

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Attorney-General what reports he has received on the number of UK residents who have been assisted to die in Switzerland since the publication of the Director of Public Prosecutions' interim policy on the prosecution of offences assisted suicide; and how many of such cases have been referred to the Crown Prosecution Service for investigation.

Dominic Grieve: I have not received any direct reports on the number of UK residents who have been assisted to die in Switzerland since the interim policy for prosecutors in respect of cases of assisted suicide was issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on 23 September 2009.
	The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has advised that its central records indicate that four cases involving UK residents who have been assisted to die in Switzerland have been referred to the CPS since September 2009. This number includes both those cases that are ongoing and in which decisions on prosecution have been taken.
	Following a public consultation exercise, the DPP amended the interim policy and published a revised version on 25 February 2010.

Sexual Offences: Young People

Fiona Bruce: To ask the Attorney-General 
	(1)  how many cases of underage sex involving boys aged 15 years and under were passed to the Crown Prosecution Service in  (a) 1980 to 1989,  (b) 1990 to 1999 and  (c) 2000 to 2009; and in how many such cases (i) charges were made against the adults involved, (ii) charges were made against the underage boys involved and (iii) the underage boys were prosecuted;
	(2)  how many cases of underage sex involving girls aged 15 years and under were reported to the Crown Prosecution Service in  (a) 1980 to 1989,  (b) 1990 to 1999 and  (c) 2000 to 2009; and in how many such cases (i) charges were made against the adults involved, (ii) charges were made against the underage girls involved and (iii) the underage girls were prosecuted.

Dominic Grieve: The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) came into existence in 1986. Limited information on the volume of prosecutions for specific offences is captured on the Compass Management Information System. Compass was fully implemented in April 2005 and there are no central records prior to that date. The records show that in the five years ending March 2010 there were 13,282 offences charged under the sections of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which relate to sexual assaults or activity with a child or young person under the age of 16. This figure relates to the age of the victim and not that of the, defendant. Charges for other sexual offences, for example rape, may also involve victims aged 15 years or under but it is not possible to ascertain the age of the victim.
	It is also not possible to ascertain the number of offences that were reported, whether the charges were modified or the outcome of the proceedings, because the records show the nature of the offence at the outset of the proceedings. Furthermore, it is not possible to ascertain the age or gender of any victim or whether the victim in any case was also prosecuted from the database.
	This information is held on individual case files and could be obtained only by identifying and examining every relevant file in each CPS office, which would incur disproportionate cost.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Billy Wright Inquiry

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with the Justice Minister in the Northern Ireland Executive on implementation of the recommendations of the Billy Wright inquiry.

Owen Paterson: I discussed the matter with the Justice Minister shortly after publication of the report on 14 September and continue to engage with him on this issue. Work has since been commissioned to follow up the report's recommendations; this is being taken forward by the Northern Ireland Department of Justice and the Northern Ireland Prison Service, as well as by officials in the Northern Ireland Office where recommendations relate to non-devolved matters. I shall issue a written statement to the House shortly.

WALES

Disability: Public Expenditure

Hywel Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions she had with carers and disability organisations in Wales on the effect of the Comprehensive Spending Review on the payment of benefits to their members; and if she will make a statement.

Cheryl Gillan: I have met with a range of organisations, including the Older People's Commissioner for Wales, prior to the announcement of the comprehensive spending review and discussed the issues raised with colleagues.
	I now intend to continue a programme of meetings with organisations and individuals from across Wales to discuss key issues, including the comprehensive spending review outcome.

Public Expenditure: Wales

Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions she has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the effects of outcomes of the Comprehensive Spending Review on funding for Government services in Wales.

Cheryl Gillan: I have discussed the comprehensive spending review with the Chancellor of the Exchequer and other Cabinet colleagues, and will continue to do so.
	The spending review sets out how the Government will carry out Britain's unavoidable deficit reduction plan. It is in line with our policy of building a freer, fairer and more responsible society and puts public services and the welfare reform onto a sustainable footing, while protecting the most vulnerable.

INDEPENDENT PARLIAMENTARY STANDARDS AUTHORITY COMMITTEE

Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority: Manpower

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, pursuant to the answer of 21 October 2010,  Official Report, column 875W, on the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority: manpower, what the annual cost to the public purse is of staff participation in Benenden Healthcare.

Charles Walker: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. I have asked IPSA to reply.
	 Letter from Andrew McDonald:
	As Interim Chief Executive of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking what the total annual cost to the public purse is of staff participation in Benenden Healthcare.
	The total annual cost to the public purse of IPSA staff participation in Benenden Healthcare will be nil, as the scheme is funded by contributions from staff.

Members: Allowances

Helen Jones: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, what the average amount paid by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority to each hon. Member receiving payments for  (a) mortgage interest and  (b) rent has been in each month since May 2010.

Charles Walker: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. I have asked IPSA to reply.
	 Letter from Andrew McDonald:
	As Interim Chief Executive of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking what the average amount paid by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority to each hon. Member receiving payments for (a) mortgage interest and (b) rent has been in each month since May 2010. (18098)
	Average mortgage payments in each month since May are as follows:
	
		
			   £ 
			 May 606.40 
			 June 736.32 
			 July 783.99 
			 August 715.43 
			 September 712.20 
			 October 694.63 
		
	
	Average rent payments in each month since May are as follows:
	
		
			  £ 
			 May 793.22 
			 June 889.37 
			 July 1,063.89 
			 August 1,067.65 
			 September 1,060.34 
			 October 1,173.81 
		
	
	The average mortgage interest payments are lower than average rental payments, in part due to historically low interest rates. The expenses scheme does not provide for future payments of mortgage interest, picking up one of the recommendations that was central to the report on MPs' expenses and allowances made by the Committee for Standards in Public Life:
	"Recommendation 3: MPs should no longer be reimbursed for the cost of mortgage interest payments or any other costs associated with the purchase of a property. No new arrangements for support of mortgage interest should be allowed from the date of this report. In future only rent or hotel costs should be reimbursed."

Members: Allowances

Helen Jones: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, if the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority will estimate  (a) the average time spent by (i) hon. Members and (ii) the staff of hon. Members dealing with the Authority and  (b) the cost to the public purse of the time so spent in the latest period for which figures are available.

Charles Walker: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. I have asked IPSA to reply.
	 Letter from Andrew McDonald:
	As Interim Chief Executive of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question regarding time spent by hon. Members and hon. Members staff dealing with IPSA and the cost to the public purse of the time so spent.
	IPSA does not keep time records of how long Members of Parliament or their staff spend dealing with IPSA, nor does IPSA keep any estimates of the cost to the public purse of their doing so.
	IPSA does keep records of the number and length of phone calls from Members of Parliament and their staff. In September, the last full month for which there is data, IPSA received some 2,980 calls to our information line with each call lasting on average 5 minutes and 30 seconds.

Members: Allowances

Bob Russell: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, if he will make representations to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority for claims made by hon. and right hon. Members to be repayable without the requirement that they must be made within 90 days of the expense being incurred.

Charles Walker: Although I greatly sympathise with the concerns of the hon. Member, the role prescribed by statute for the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority does not include making representations on the scheme.

Members: Allowances

Helen Jones: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, what provision will be made for a review of the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) as part of the forthcoming review of the expenses scheme for hon. Members; and what professional advice will be provided to IPSA on those matters.

Charles Walker: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. I have asked IPSA to reply.
	 L etter from Andrew McDonald:
	As Interim Chief Executive of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking what provision will be made for a review of the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) as part of the forthcoming review of the expenses scheme for hon. Members; and what professional advice will be provided to IPSA on those matters. 20346
	IPSA launched an organisational review in October which will run in parallel with the forthcoming review of the expenses scheme for hon. Members. The organisational review is aimed at improving IPSA's efficiency and cost-effectiveness and will make use of internal and external professional advice as appropriate.

Personnel: Privilege Days

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, how many staff of the Independent Parliamentary Speaker's Authority are entitled to privilege days; and what the annual cost to the public purse is of the entitlement per employee.

Charles Walker: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. I have asked IPSA to reply.
	 Letter from Andrew McDonald:
	As Interim Chief Executive of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking how many staff at IPSA are entitled to privilege days, and the annual cost to the public purse is of the entitlement per employee.
	There are a total of 54 employees at IPSA who are entitled to privilege days at IPSA. The notional cost per employee per annum for this benefit is approximately £375 (net).

Season Ticket Loans

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, how much funding the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority has allocated to the provision of interest-free season ticket loans for its staff; and what the average cost to the public purse is of the scheme in respect of each participating member of staff in 2010-11.

Charles Walker: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. I have asked IPSA to reply.
	 Letter from Andrew McDonald:
	As Interim Chief Executive of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking how much funding the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority has allocated to the provision of interest-free season ticket loans for its staff, and what the average cost to the public purse is of the scheme in respect of each participating member of staff in 2010-11.
	In the current financial year to date, IPSA has granted season ticket loans totalling £22,777.56 to 20 employees. Assuming an average notional rate of interest of 3.5%, the annual cost of the scheme is currently £797.21. The average cost of the scheme for each participating member of staff is therefore £39.86.
	IPSA provides for an equivalent scheme for Members' staff.

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION

Officials: Accommodation

John Whittingdale: To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the House of Commons Commission, which posts in the House of Commons Service entitle the holder to accommodation  (a) in the gift of the House Service and  (b) paid for from the public purse; and what the address is of each property owned by the House Service which is put at the disposal of such staff.  [Official Report, 12 November 2010, Vol. 518, c. 3MC.]

Stuart Bell: The following positions in the House entitle the holder to accommodation: Clerk of the House, Serjeant at Arms, Speaker's Secretary, Head Office Keeper and two Senior Office Keepers. Sleeping facilities are provided for the Deputy Serjeant at Arms, Assistant Serjeant at Arms, Clerk Assistant, Clerk of Committees and Clerk of Legislation, reflecting their particular need to be available on the parliamentary estate over prolonged periods and at unpredictable times. The addresses of the accommodation are: 2 Parliament street, 3 Parliament street, 2a Canon row, 2b Canon row, 4 Canon row, 102 Rochester row and 22 John Islip street. The sleeping facilities are also used by other staff when there is a need to do so.

PRIME MINISTER

Members: Allowances

Bob Russell: To ask the Prime Minister how long on average he spends managing expenses and allowances claims; and if he will make a statement.

David Cameron: I am aware of concerns surrounding the expenses system and am keen to see improvements. I do not claim accommodation expenses.

Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe: UK Delegations

David Amess: To ask the Prime Minister what progress he has made in appointing a new UK delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe; and if he will make a statement.

David Cameron: We are still waiting for a full list of candidates for the UK delegation.

Task Force on Strengthening Economic Governance in EU

William Cash: To ask the Prime Minister what negotiating position he intends to adopt on the conclusion of the Task Force on Strengthening Economic Governance in EU, presented to the European Council and dated 21 October 2010, that endorsement by the Council of the recommendations in the report will contribute to strengthening economic governance in the EU and the euro are and can be implemented within the existing treaties; and if he will place immediately in the Library a copy of  (a) the Task Force Report and  (b) the Chancellor of the Exchequer's submission to the Task Force made on 9 July 2010; and if he will make a statement.

David Cameron: I refer my hon. Friend to my statement today and to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr Hoban) on 27 October 2010,  Official Report, column 318.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Police Stations: Opening Hours

Mark Pawsey: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will issue guidance to police authorities on the opening hours of inquiry desks at police stations.

Nick Herbert: Opening hours of inquiry desks are a matter for individual chief constables to decide, based on their local priorities.

UK Border Agency

Gemma Doyle: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of the likely effects on UK Border Agency services of the proposed reduction in its staff numbers by 2015.

Damian Green: The UK Border Agency priorities will be to secure the border and reduce migration. It will do this at the same time as reducing the budget by up to 20% through cutting overhead costs, improving efficiency and quality through investment in technology and getting better value for money from suppliers.

Rural Police Forces

Stephen Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what mechanisms are in place to determine the funding of rural police forces.

Nick Herbert: I will put before this House more detail on funding allocations for all forces, including rural forces, in December.

Licensing Act 2003

Peter Aldous: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she plans to publish her proposals to amend the Licensing Act 2003.

James Brokenshire: The proposals for amendments to the Licensing Act will be included within the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill. The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill will be introduced later in the year.

Immigration Cap: Science and Industry

Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations she has received on the likely effect of her proposed immigration cap on science and industry.

Theresa May: Our recent consultation on the immigration system fully involved scientific organisations. They have underlined the importance of being able to recruit the best scientists from around the world. I am aware of the case of the Beatson Institute in my hon. Friend's constituency and can assure her that the UK Border Agency is looking closely at this and related cases.

Firearm and Knife Injuries

David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Health on the sharing of non-confidential information on firearm and knife injuries between hospitals and police forces.

James Brokenshire: The Secretary of State for Health and the Home Secretary have established the Department of Health Information Sharing Implementation Group, to determine how to deliver the coalition Government commitment to share non-confidential information on gun and knife crime. Home Office officials sit on that group.

Animal Welfare

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether her Department has made an estimate of the likely change in the number of inspections of designated establishments carried out by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate in each of the next three years; and if she will make a statement.

Lynne Featherstone: I am not in a position to estimate the number of inspections of designated establishments to be carried out by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate in each of the next three years.
	The inspectorate plays a key role in the implementation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act. Visits by inspectors to designated establishments, many of which are unannounced, are important to check for compliance with the Act. An additional important role is to advise those working under the Act and encourage best practice with respect to the 3Rs-replacement, refinement and reduction. The inspectorate implements a risk-based approach to inspection and I expect this to continue.
	The new European Union directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes, to be implemented in United Kingdom legislation in January 2013, also requires a risk-based approach to inspections. A detailed assessment of the impact of its provisions, including those relating to inspections, is under way and will in due course be included in a public consultation on options for transposition.

Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many inspectors are in post in the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate; what the average length of service of those inspectors is; and how many inspectors have left the Inspectorate in each of the last seven years.

Lynne Featherstone: At 25 October 2010 there were 25 Inspectors in post in the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate with an average length of service in the Home Office of between five years and 10 years. Both records of length of service and the number of inspectors who have left the Inspectorate in each of the last seven years, which follow, are recorded in bands that comply with the Office of National Statistics guidelines.
	2009: Less than five
	2008: Less than five
	2007: None
	2006: Less than five
	2005: Less than five
	2004: Less than five
	2003: Between five and 10

Asylum: Deportation

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many children of asylum seekers awaiting deportation were in detention on the latest date for which figures are available.

Damian Green: National Statistics on children detained solely under Immigration Act powers are published quarterly in the "Control of Immigration: Quarterly Statistical Summary, United Kingdom". The Statistical Summary for the second quarter of 2010, the most recent available, coupled with local management information indicates that one child of an asylum seeking family was detained with its family awaiting removal as at 30 June 2010.
	This figure is based on management information and is not subject to the detailed checks that apply for National Statistics. It is provisional and may be subject to change.
	Information on people detained solely under Immigration Act powers as at 30 September will be available on 25 November in the Control of Immigration:
	Quarterly Statistical Summary, United Kingdom, July-September 2010 is on the Home Office's Research, Development and Statistics website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration-asylum-stats.html
	The Government have made clear their commitment to end the detention of children and continues to work with its corporate partners to find an alternative that protects the welfare of children, without undermining UK immigration laws.

Borders: Personal records

Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate she has made of the cost to the public purse of new procurement exercises for the e-Borders programme.

Damian Green: Since the termination of the contract with the prime supplier, Raytheon Systems Limited, the e-Borders programme has been developing a strategy to procure services to replace those under the original e-Borders contract. The programme is currently examining options for contracting with new suppliers and expects to be able to identify the costs by December 2010.

Criminal Records Bureau

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 13 October 2010,  Official Report, column 201W, on the Criminal Records Bureau, on how many occasions the processing of enhanced disclosures initially received in each month of 2010 to date has taken more than 28 days.

Lynne Featherstone: The following table details the total number and percentage of enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks that took over 28 calendar days to issue for the period 1 January 2010 to 31 August 2010. September figures are not yet available as 28 calendar days have not yet elapsed since the end of this month. Figures for September will be available from the bureau from 28 October.
	
		
			  Application form received month  Total enhanced CRB checks received  Total enhanced CRB checks despatched after 28 days or still in progress  Percentage over 28 days 
			  2010
			 January 282,738 98,285 34.8 
			 February 352,462 130,406 37.0 
			 March 411,374 174,498 42.4 
			 April 323,130 127,577 39.5 
			 May 345,044 117,253 34.0 
			 June 388,810 124,515 32.0 
			 July 362,762 115,853 31.9 
			 August 259,183 73,405 28.3 
		
	
	The length of time a CRB check can take to process can include "time out with customer". This occurs when the CRB has to contact the registered body for additional information about the applicant, when the application form has not been completed correctly or where the police require additional clarification about the applicant's identity. The CRB cannot continue to process the application until the registered body provides this information; or the applicant resolves any question of identity to the satisfaction of the police force.
	There are a number of other factors that can affect the timely completion of CRB checks, including but not restricted to the length of time it can take for an employer to deal with the initial application; the accurate completion of the application form; the clarity of the information provided; the existence of conviction or non-conviction information; any ongoing or outstanding criminal investigations or proceedings; where more than one force holds relevant information and the operational effectiveness of the Disclosure Units of the police forces involved in the CRB checking process.
	The CRB have been working with police forces through joint operational performance reviews, to address the problems associated with delays and the impact that exceptional demand for CRB checks can have on police forces. The CRB has set up improvement plans with those forces that have been having problems meeting the demand for certificates. This is aimed at maintaining a steady output of applications on the system while also reducing the number of outstanding cases that have been with police forces for more than 25 days.

Criminal Records: Fees and Charges

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether she plans to require volunteers applying to work as leaders in recognised youth organisations to pay a fee for Criminal Records Bureau checks; and if she will make a statement.

Lynne Featherstone: My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced the terms of reference for the review of Criminal Records Bureau and the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) on 22 October 2010,  Official Report, columns 77-78WS. The first phase of the Criminal Records Review and the VBS review are expected to report early in the new year.
	While the reviews may have an impact on the requirements to undertake Criminal Records Bureau checks, the Government remain committed to reducing the barriers to volunteering and they do not intend to review the provision of free checks for volunteers (at this stage).

Departmental Consultants

Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many  (a) consultants and  (b) contractors were employed by or on behalf of the UK Border Agency to work on the e-Borders programme in each of the last five years.

Damian Green: The following table provides the numbers of consultants and independent contractors employed by the e-Borders programme since 2005. Separate figures are not held for contractors and consultants. The current figure as at 28 October 2010 is 39.
	
		
			   Consultancy headcount 
			 2005-06 72 
			 2006-07 103 
			 2007-08 81 
			 2008-09 53 
			 2009-10 60

Human Trafficking

Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent assessment she has made of the merits of opting in to the EU Directive on human trafficking.

Damian Green: The Government decided not to opt in to the Directive at the outset, but to review the position once the Directive has been agreed. We still have the option of applying to opt in at a later stage.
	In reaching this decision, the Government considered whether the Directive would make a practical difference to the way the UK fights trafficking and whether it contained operational co-operation measures from which the UK would benefit.

Immigration

Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent progress she has made on reform of the immigration system.

Damian Green: In just six months the coalition Government have made significant progress in the reform of the immigration system. We have introduced an interim limit on non-EU economic migrants and consulted on proposals for the annual. We are also reviewing student and family routes. We have made significant progress towards ending the detention of children and we have also begun exploring improvements to the asylum system.

Immigration

Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  from what countries of origin applicants for indefinite leave to remain normally resident in the Medway council area  (a) applied for,  (b) were granted and  (c) were refused indefinite leave to remain in the latest period for which figures are available;
	(2)  how many individuals who at the time of their application for indefinite leave to remain in the UK were resident in the Medway council area, were granted such leave in the latest period for which figures are available.

Damian Green: The UK Border Agency is unable to provide definitive data on the applicants address at the time of application. The information provided is therefore for the applicants last known address.
	The number of applications made for indefinite leave from April 2009 to March 2010 for applicants living in the Medway council area was 398. Of this figure 332 were granted and 26 were refused.
	The breakdown by nationality can be found in the House of Commons Library.
	This is internal management information and is subject to change. This information has not been quality assured under National Statistics protocols.

Knives

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether her Department has  (a) commissioned and  (b) evaluated recent research on controlling the sale of knives; what recent assessment she has made of the merits of licensing the sale of knives; what guidance her Department issues on the restrictions in place on the sale of (i) domestic and (ii) non-domestic knives; and if she will make a statement.

James Brokenshire: The Home Office has not commissioned or evaluated any research on controlling the sale of knives, or made any assessment of the merits of licensing the sale of knives. Guidance on the restrictions in place on the sale of domestic and non-domestic knives is available at:
	http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/CrimeJusticeAndTheLaw/Typesofcrime/DG_181675

Law Enforcement Agencies: Expenditure

Jack Lopresti: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what her most recent estimate is of the average annual expenditure of law enforcement agencies on investigations of financial crime; and what proportion of that expenditure is accounted for by forensic analysis of currency for controlled drugs.

James Brokenshire: It is not possible to provide this estimate as the majority of crimes contain a financial element and financial investigation is an integral part of a broad range of law enforcement investigations.

Offensive Weapons

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many arrests there were for possession of an offensive weapon in St Albans constituency in each of the last five years; and how many such arrests resulted in convictions for which a prison sentence of five years or more was imposed.

James Brokenshire: The information requested on arrests is not collected centrally.
	The arrests collection held by the Home Office covers arrests for recorded crimes (notifiable offences) only, broken down at a main offence group level, covering categories such as violence against the person and robbery.
	It is not possible to separately identify which arrests under these offence categories were related to the possession of offensive weapons.
	The maximum sentence for the possession of a knife or offensive weapon is four years, therefore no defendants convicted of these offences were sentenced to imprisonment for five years or more.

Prostitution

Stephen Mosley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment her Department has made of the effect of advertisements for sexual services on levels of demand for prostitution.

Lynne Featherstone: We do not believe it is appropriate to advertise sexual services in local newspapers. The Government Equalities Office commissioned research into the advertising of women and services supplied by women in personal classified advertisements. Two reports were produced: 'Women Not for Sale', which was published in January 2008, and a follow-up report published in March 2010. However, no assessment has been made of the effect of advertising on levels of demand for prostitution.

Rape: Finance

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 14 October 2010,  Official Report, columns 404-05W, on rape: finance, what the reasons are for the difference in the timetables for making payments to sexual assault referral centres in Wales and England.

Lynne Featherstone: Resource funding for sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) in England is in the process of being paid from the Department of Health to strategic health authorities, and will be allocated by SHAs to SARCs in their region. Capital grants were issued by the Home Office in September and where correctly signed agreements have been returned, payment will be made in October.
	Home Office funding for Welsh SARCs was initially due to be administered through the Home Office Crime Team for Wales, part of the Government Office Network. However, as a result of the decision to dissolve the Government offices, including the Home Office Crime Team for Wales, that funding will now also be administered by the Home Office. Grant agreements have been issued to all Welsh SARCs receiving funding in this round, and on the return of correctly signed agreements, funding will be paid in November.

JUSTICE

Capital Projects

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  which of his Department's capital projects he plans to  (a) abandon,  (b) defer and  (c) continue;
	(2)  how much capital funding he has allocated to maintenance of the prison estate in each of the next four years;
	(3)  whether he plans to close any  (a) prisons and  (b) prison wings.

Crispin Blunt: The Ministry of Justice is currently developing its capital expenditure plans in the light of the spending review that was announced on 20 October 2010.
	The Chancellor announced in his spending review statement that plans for a new 1,500 place prison had been deferred. Initial plans for other capital projects for the SR period, including budgets for maintenance of the prison estate will be in place by the end of the calendar year.
	Decisions about prison and wing closures have yet to be made. The Ministry of Justice is committed to publishing a Green Paper on Rehabilitation and Sentencing, consulting on our longer term plans for offender management. As a consequence the Ministry will re-evaluate its strategy for prison capacity.

Departmental Pay

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how much was paid to officials in his Department and its non-departmental public bodies in bonuses and other payments in addition to salary in each year since its inception; how many officials received such payments; and what the monetary values was of the largest 20 payments made in each such year;
	(2)  what allowances and payments in addition to salary were available to officials in his Department and its non-departmental public bodies in each year since its inception; and what the monetary value was of payments and allowances of each type in each such year.

Kenneth Clarke: Within the Ministry of Justice, payments of salary, non-consolidated performance pay and other allowances depend on the contractual terms that an individual is employed on. The information provided as follows covers a range of contractual terms.
	 Senior Civil Service
	Members of the Senior Civil Service (SCS) are employed on common terms across the Ministry. Details of the non-salary elements of their remuneration are set out in the Senior Salaries Review Body Report.
	http://www.ome.uk.com/Senior_Salaries_Review_Body.aspx
	Since the establishment of the Ministry, payments of non-consolidated performance pay to members of the SCS are shown in the following tables:
	
		
			  Paid in calendar year  Staff receiving payments  Average payment (£)  Total amount  awarded (£)  Maximum  payment (£)  Largest  20 payments (£) 
			 2007(1) 116 7,469 866,500 22,500 205,500 
			 2008 159 10,364 1,648,000 25,000 341,000 
			 2009 162 8,488 1,375,000 15,000 270,000 
			 2010 168 5,822 949,000 10,000 200,000 
			   
			 (1) Refers only to those Ministry members formerly in the Department of Constitutional Affairs. 
		
	
	Performance payments are awarded as part of the annual pay award process to members of the SCS whose performance has exceeded their agreed delivery objectives during the previous performance year.
	Non SCS employees within the Ministry are eligible to non-consolidated payments and occupational allowances. Payments of non-consolidated performance pay to staff may be either:
	'In Year' non-consolidated performance pay, awards of which are made during the performance year to staff who have made exceptional contributions on specific occasions.
	'End of Year' non-consolidated performance pay, awarded as part of the annual pay award to staff who have exceeded their performance objectives during the previous performance year.
	 The Ministry of Justice (excluding NOMS)
	The following table provides information on 'In Year' non-consolidated performance payments.
	
		
			  Paid in financial year  Staff receiving payments( 1)  Average payment (£)  Total amount  awarded (£)  Largest payment (£)  Value of largest  20 payments (£) 
			 2007-08 5,327 440 2,348,520 4,000 42,000.00 
			 2008-09 6,135 418 2,566,120 5,675 77,225.00 
			 2009-10 5,673 269 1,483,442 8,000 91,448.00 
			 (1) Includes those working in HM Court Service, Tribunals Service, Office of the Public Guardian and those Non-Departmental Public Bodies whose pay terms are aligned with the Ministry. 
		
	
	The following table provides information on 'Year End' non-consolidated performance payments.
	
		
			  Paid in financial year  Staff receiving payments  Average payment (£)  Total amount awarded (£)  Largest payment (£) 
			 2007-08 2,419 400 967,000 400 
			 2008-09 1,608 1,200 1,929,600 1,200 
			 2009-10 1,889 1,200 2,226,800 1,200 
			  Note: The value of the 'Year end' payment of non consolidated performance pay is set as part of the pay award and is an equal amount for all staff who receive it. 
		
	
	Payments of occupational allowances to staff are made in accordance with the Ministry's Pay Policy Manual. These allowances may be based on the requirement of a job role (e.g. qualification) or reflect a recognised market premium. An allowance also may be paid to reflect the pattern of working (e.g. on-call payments) and where an individual performs duties at a higher level than their own substantive grade. Central records on the total number of staff receiving allowances are not held. Nor is the value of the top 20 largest payments paid to individuals. Information on the total amount paid in each year since 2007 are shown in the following table.
	
		
			   £ 
			 2007-08 8,048,082 
			 2008-09 10,945,380 
			 2009-10 9,458,872 
		
	
	Details of total amounts paid in overtime paid to staff in the Ministry is shown in the following table. Records on the number of individual employees paid overtime or the highest 20 payments are not held centrally.
	
		
			   £ 
			 2007-08 6,788,860 
			 2008-09 6,881,223 
			 2009-10 6,759,306 
		
	
	 National Offender Management Service (NOMS)
	Information on the number of staff in grades below the SCS receiving 'In Year' non-consolidated performance payments and the total amount paid in the 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10 financial years across HM Prison Service and National Offender Management Service Headquarters is contained in the following table.
	
		
			  Paid in financial year  Number of staff receiving a payment  Total amount paid( 1)  (£)  Value of the largest 20 payments (£) 
			 2007-08 3,559 1,314,358 66,500 
			 2008-09 3,411 2,110,012 70,284 
			 2009-10 2,503 1,609,340 87,454 
			 (1) Information has been adjusted to exclude payments that are not Special Bonus payments. The figures presented here will therefore differ from previously published totals. The nature of the excluded payments is not known. 
		
	
	Details for payments of 'Year End' non-consolidated performance pay in the 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11 financial years for staff below SCS employed across HM Prison Service and the National Offender Management Service Headquarters are shown in the following table:
	
		
			  Paid in financial year  Number of staff receiving a payment  Total amount paid (£)  Value of largest 20 payments (£) 
			 2007-08 4,817 1,096,766 14,384 
			 2008-09 5,332 1,325,952 16,060 
			 2009-10 5,256 1,426,330 16,420 
			 2010-11 5,950 1,629,784 16,580 
			  Note: The value of the 'Year End' payment of non consolidated performance pay is set as part of the pay award and is standard percentage of salary for all staff who receive it. 
		
	
	The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) does hold information on allowances and payments in addition to salary but not in the detail requested. However, the sum of all payments in addition to standard salary payments for NOMS staff for 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10 is as shown in the following table:
	
		
			   £ 
			 2007-08(1) 109,586,243 
			 2008-09(2) 122,900,162 
			 2009-10 120,272,758 
			 (1) The 2007-08 data are prior to the formation of the NOMS agency. (2) The data for 2008-09 are incomplete as they do not include values before September 2008 for circa 1,000 staff who transferred from HM Prison Service into NOMS that month. 
		
	
	Details of total amounts paid in overtime paid to staff in the NOMS Agency is shown in the following table. Records on the number of individual employees paid overtime or the highest 20 payments are not held centrally.
	
		
			   £ 
			 2007-08 10,260,954 
			 2008-09 10,814,950 
			 2009-10 10,442,968 
		
	
	 Information Commissioner' s Office
	The Office of the Information Commissioner is a non Departmental Public Body of the Ministry and employs staff on separate contractual terms. In addition to basic salary, employees may be eligible for non-consolidated performance pay depending on their performance measured over the performance year. These arrangements have been in place since 2008.
	
		
			  Paid in financial year  Amount paid (£)  Number of staff receiving award  Total amount paid (£) 
			 2008-09 250 46 (1)10,500 
			 2009-10 250 64 (1)15,600 
			 (1) The value of the 'Year end' payment of non consolidated performance pay is set as part of the pay award. The amount is pro-rated for reduced hours staff. 
		
	
	Allowances are paid to staff working in Office of the Information Commissioner to recognise specific skills and proficiencies or requirements of the role. The maximum skills/proficiency allowance is £519 and other allowances £240. Both allowances have been paid to fewer than 10 individuals in any year since 2007.
	Information on total payments of overtime to staff in since 2007 are shown in the following table. Records on the number of individual employees paid overtime or the highest 20 payments are not held centrally.
	
		
			   £ 
			 2007-08 102,188 
			 2008-09 97,955 
			 2009-10 87,955

Food Supplements Directive

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what recent discussions his Department has had with the authorities in  (a) Jersey and  (b) Guernsey on progress in implementing the EU (i) Food Supplements Directive and (ii) Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation.

Jonathan Djanogly: My noble Friend the Minister of State for Justice (Lord McNally), the Minister responsible for the Crown Dependencies raised the implementation of the Food Supplements Directive and the Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation with the Guernsey authorities during his visit to the Island on 24 September 2010 and expects to raise the issue with the Jersey authorities in the course of his forthcoming visit there.

Freedom of Information: Public Expenditure

Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice which bodies funded solely from the public purse are not public authorities for the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Jonathan Djanogly: The Department does not maintain a list of bodies funded solely from the public purse that are not public authorities for the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
	Over 100,000 public authorities are currently subject to the Act. These are either listed in Schedule 1 of the Act, or covered under section 6 as "publicly owned companies" that are wholly owned by the Crown or a public authority listed in Schedule 1.
	The Government are considering a range of options to increase transparency, including extending the scope of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to additional public authorities. The Government will announce their intentions in due course

Ian Tomlinson

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether a senior judicial officer has been appointed to head the inquest into the death of Ian Tomlinson.

Jonathan Djanogly: The authority to appoint assistant deputy coroners to hear specific inquests lies with the coroner and his or her local authority. The Ministry of Justice has received a request from the coroner for the nomination of a suitable judge for appointment to hear the inquest into Mr Tomlinson's death. In accordance with the usual practice in such cases, we have been discussing with the Lord Chief Justice the availability of suitable candidates for appointment to this inquest. The Lord Chief Justice has now agreed to nominate a judge, and details of the appointment are likely to be made public by the local authority for the coroner at the earliest opportunity.

Legal Aid

Yvonne Fovargue: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how much his Department has spent on legal aid for social welfare cases  (a) in total and  (b) in respect of (i) welfare benefits, (ii) housing, (iii) debt, (iv) community care and (v) employment in each year since 2006-07.

Jonathan Djanogly: The total amount spent each in each year 2006-07 to 2009-10 in the social welfare categories of law, including; housing, debt, welfare benefits, employment and community care, is provided in the following table:
	
		
			  £ million 
			   2006-07  2007-08  2008-09  2009-10( 1) 
			 Housing(2) 52 52 59 60 
			 Debt 24 21 27 33 
			 Welfare benefits 23 22 25 28 
			 Employment 6 6 6 8 
			 Community care 4 4 5 6 
			 Total 108 106 123 135 
			 (1 )The figures for 2009-10 are subject to audit.(  2) The figures for housing include the Housing Possession Court Duty Solicitor Scheme.

Magistrates Courts

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what recent representations he has received from Nottinghamshire police on the closure of magistrates courts; what response he has made to such representations; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan Djanogly: Nottinghamshire police authority has submitted a county wide response to the consultation proposals. This is being carefully considered alongside the other responses received. We hope to announce decisions by the end of the year.

Magistrates Courts: Bassetlaw

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the number of residents of Bassetlaw constituency unable to reach Mansfield magistrates court on public transport by 10.00 am on a weekday; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the maximum journey time by public transport from Mansfield to Bassetlaw at the end of the working day on each day of the working week.

Jonathan Djanogly: I am aware of the concerns regarding public transport in north Nottinghamshire that have been raised in the court estate consultation responses and I can assure the hon. Member that these are being very carefully considered.
	Ministry of Justice economists are currently working on the provision of area wide impact assessments that will provide a full assessment of the costs and benefits of each closure. These will include an assessment of the travel impact on court users. We intend to publish the impact assessments alongside the consultations responses, by the end of the year.

National Offender Management Service: Public Expenditure

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  what the cost to the public purse was of the National Offender Management Service head office and regional offices in each financial year since 2004-05;
	(2)  what the cost to the public purse was of the Director of Offender Management regional organisations in the financial year 2009-10.

Crispin Blunt: The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) Agency was established from April 2008. There are therefore no comparable figures for the financial years 2004-05 to 2007-08.
	The NOMS Agency accounts for 2009-10 show, on a comparable basis, figures for both 2008-09 and 2009-10 for HQ and Policy as follows:
	
		
			   £ million 
			 2008-09 151 
			 2009-10 255 
		
	
	However, of the year-on-year difference, £113 million is due to the accounting treatment on the impairment of assets.
	The 2008-09 expenditure on regional offices was £57 million.
	The 2009-10 expenditure for the Directors of Offender Management regional organisations was £48 million.

Offenders: Deportation

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many foreign national prisoners he expects to be repatriated in  (a) 2010 and  (b) 2011.

Crispin Blunt: The United Kingdom has in place prisoner transfer arrangements with over 100 countries and territories. The majority of these arrangements are voluntary agreements which require the consent of both states involved, as well as that of the prisoner concerned, before transfer can take place. In the calendar year 2010 we expect approximately 45 prisoners to have been repatriated from prisons in England and Wales (38 prisoners have transferred to date). In 2011, up to 50 prisoners are expected to be repatriated.
	The repatriation of prisoners from Scotland and Northern Ireland is a matter for the relevant devolved administration.

Offenders: Mental Illness

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what arrangements he plans to make for the custody of mentally-ill offenders whom he proposes to divert into treatment.

Crispin Blunt: Mentally ill offenders who require transfer and detention for treatment can be transferred to secure hospital services, if they meet the relevant clinical criteria under section 47 or section 48 of the Mental Health Act 1983. Mentally ill offenders who do not need to be in custody can access treatment from community mental health services, as part of community sentences with a mental health treatment requirement.
	The Government are also exploring how more effective mental health assessment and liaison services can help identify and support police and court decisions, cases where offenders with mental health problems pose a low risk to the public, and for whom a community based approach would be justified.

Offenders: Mental Illness

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what tests his Department undertake to ascertain whether an offender is mentally ill.

Crispin Blunt: The responsibility for establishing whether a defendant or an offender is suffering from a mental disorder rests with qualified clinical practitioners. Such assessments can take place at any stage of the criminal justice process including at the point of arrest, during court proceedings, on reception in custody or during sentence.

Pleural Plaques Compensation Scheme

Nick Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether the next of kin of deceased claimants who would otherwise have had a valid claim under the Pleural Plaques Compensation Scheme are entitled to compensation under that scheme.

Jonathan Djanogly: The pleural plaques former claimants' payment scheme does not extend to dependants or to personal representatives claiming on behalf of deceased claimants.

Pleural Plaques Compensation Scheme

Nick Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will bring forward proposals to extend the  (a) eligibility criteria and  (b) period for which the Pleural Plaques Compensation Scheme will be open.

Jonathan Djanogly: There are no proposals to extend the eligibility criteria or the time period for the pleural plaques former claimants' payment scheme. The scheme was set up to provide payments to those individuals who had begun, but not resolved, a legal claim for compensation for pleural plaques at the time of the 2007 House of Lords judgment, on the basis that they had an understandable expectation at the time of beginning the claim that it would result in compensation. The scheme will be open to applications for one year, which will provide sufficient time for those who are eligible to make an application.

Prisoners

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what proportion of prisoners serving custodial sentences of up to six months have  (a) no previous convictions and  (b) seven or more previous convictions.

Crispin Blunt: The proportion of prisoners sentenced to immediate custody with sentence lengths of up to six months in 2009 who had no previous convictions was 5.6%. The figure for prisoners with seven or more previous convictions was 74.6%. The following table presents figures for the last 10 years.
	
		
			  Proportion of offenders who were sentenced to immediate custody with sentence length up to six mon ths for indictable offences( 1,2 ) by the number of previous convictions, 2000-09 
			  Percentage 
			  Number of previous convictions  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009 
			 No previous conviction 6.5 6.1 5.4 5.4 5.6 6.2 6.1 6.1 5.6 5.6 
			 1-6 previous convictions 28.9 27.3 23.8 21.9 21.5 21.2 21.9 21.9 20.1 19.8 
			 7 or more previous convictions 64.6 66.7 70.8 72.7 72.8 72.6 72.0 72.0 74.3 74.6 
			 All offenders (100%) 36,431 37,172 39,693 42,186 42,946 40,306 39,071 40,335 43,537 37,971 
			 (1 )Including indictable and trial either ways offences.(  2) Counts of offenders sentenced during the year; an offender may be counted more than once if an offender had been sentenced more than once. 
		
	
	The figures are further breakdowns of the criminal history statistics presented in chapter 6 of "Sentencing Statistics, England and Wales 2009" which was published on 21 October 2010 and can be found at:
	http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/docs/sentencing-stats2009.pdf
	The figures have been drawn from the police's administrative IT system, the police national computer, which, as with any large scale recording system, is subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. The figures are provisional and subject to change as more information is recorded by the police.

Prisoners: Terrorism

Paul Goggins: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  what conditions may be imposed when granting a release on licence to prisoners with convictions for terrorism;
	(2)  how many prisoners with convictions for terrorism offences are under consideration for release by the Parole Board;
	(3)  how many prisoners with convictions for terrorism offences have an earliest date for release in  (a) 2010,  (b) 2011 and  (c) 2012.

Crispin Blunt: All offenders convicted of terrorism or terrorism related offences serving a sentence of 12 months or more are subject to statutory probation supervision on licence, with strict conditions, on release from prison.
	All of these offenders are subject to standard licence conditions. Additional licence conditions may be applied, where they are necessary to manage the risks presented by an individual. Where offenders are released on the direction of the Parole Board, the board will set the licence conditions. Where offenders are released automatically from custody, licence conditions will be set by the governor of the releasing prison.
	A Probation Instruction (PI 13/2010) was issued on 27 September 2010 on the subject of licence conditions. This instruction replaced previous policy guidance on licence conditions and includes a menu of licence conditions for those convicted of terrorism or terrorism related offences.
	Two prisoners, one from a previous terror campaign, are subject to consideration for release by the Parole Board at this present time. 31 terrorist or terrorism-related prisoners will be eligible for consideration by the Parole Board for release in the future.
	2010: A total of 20 offenders have or will have been released by the end of 2010. Of the 20, six have been re-released following recall. In addition, one further offender will reach his parole eligibility date in November 2010, and his release will be considered by the Parole Board in due course.
	2011: A total of 18 offenders will reach their earliest date for release during the course of 2011.
	2012: A total of seven offenders will reach their earliest date for release during the course of 2012.
	 Note:
	The number of relevant offenders who will actually be released in any of the three years will depend on a number of factors, including: in the case of parole-eligible prisoners, a direction for release from the Parole Board; whether any offenders are sentenced in the intervening period to custodial sentences; and whether offenders appeal successfully against the length of their sentence.

Prisons: Education

Hywel Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what recent discussions he has had with the Prison Service on educational and training opportunities within HM prisons; and if he will make a statement.

Crispin Blunt: I meet frequently with officials from the National Offender Management Service, including those responsible for prisons, and discuss a range of issues including prisoner learning and skills.
	A review of offender learning is being undertaken jointly by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Ministry of Justice. The review will make recommendations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of such arrangements.

Prisons: Population

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the evidential basis was for his decision to reduce the prison population by 3,000 by 2014.

Crispin Blunt: The Government's expectation that the prison population will be 3,000 fewer by 2014 is based on (a) prison population projections and recent population trends and (b) our new approach to sentencing and rehabilitation which we will outline in a Green Paper later this year, with an accompanying impact assessment.

Prisons: Population

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  what steps he plans to take to reduce the prison population by 3,000 by 2014.
	(2)  whether he plans to reduce the numbers of suspects held on remand.

Crispin Blunt: The Ministry of Justice will publish a Green Paper later this year setting out plans to reform sentencing and rehabilitate offenders more effectively. The Green Paper will set out our approach to reducing the prison population, including our approach to the use of remand.

Probation Service

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what estimate he has made of the effect on prison numbers of reductions to the probation service budget in the financial year  (a) 2010-11 and  (b) 2011-12.

Crispin Blunt: The probation budget for 2010-11 is £864 million compared to £894 million 2009-10. Before the new Probation Trust arrangements came into general operation in April 2010, all trusts and potential trusts were required to demonstrate how they would drive down costs and improve performance. There is no evidence that the savings that have been achieved have had any adverse impact on performance, and as such these savings are not expected to adversely impact on the prison population. Internal resource allocations for the spending review 2010 period have not yet been decided, but we have already been clear that a large part of our savings will be achieved through improvements in efficiency and cutting administration.

Redundancy: Public Expenditure

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what estimate he has made of the number of redundancies from frontline posts in his Department to be incurred under the proposals in the Comprehensive Spending Review.

Kenneth Clarke: My Department is developing firm plans to deliver its priorities within the funding baselines announced in the Spending Review. We will be consulting widely on proposals for change but as yet no internal budgets have been set. Preliminary estimates suggest that the Department will lose around 14,000-15,000 posts, including a significant reduction in our headquarters and administrative areas. Preliminary modelling assumptions split the posts between 10,000 in the National Offender Management Service, 3,000 in courts and tribunals services and 1,000-2,000 elsewhere in the Department over the four-year period. Where possible, staff reduction will be through natural turnover and voluntary redundancy, avoiding compulsory redundancies if possible.
	My Department's response to the Spending Review marks the beginning of a programme of radical change which will fundamentally reform the way justice is provided by 2015. I am confident that the process will lead to a transformed Ministry of Justice which is efficient and affordable.

Reparation by Offenders

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how much his Department spent on community payback schemes in each year since 2005; and how much it plans to spend on such schemes in each of the next three years.

Crispin Blunt: Reliable year-by-year information on the expenditure on community payback by probation trusts for the past five years is not available. A cost collection exercise in 2008-09 estimated that roughly £95 million was spent on unpaid work but the estimate is not considered robust. The National Offender Management Service is currently introducing a new costing system for probation trusts which will collect reliable information on both budgeted and actual expenditure on unpaid work. Budgets for unpaid work are set locally by providers and commissioners and will be determined in the light of the Spending Review settlement. Allocations within the Ministry of Justice to business groups, including the National Offender Management Service, are yet to be decided but will reflect the impact of the forthcoming Green Paper on Sentencing Reform and need to deliver services as efficiently as possible including through the use of the new competition framework for unpaid work.

Sentencing

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many community sentences he expects to be handed down in each of the next four years.

Crispin Blunt: We have no targets for the number of community sentences to be imposed over the next four years. We want to see sentencing that is effective in rehabilitating offenders so that they do not offend again. This includes increased use of community sentences where they are more effective than short prison sentences in providing punishment and rehabilitation, and in helping offenders come off drugs.
	Over the 11 years to 2009 the numbers of community sentences imposed on adults and juveniles are shown in the following tables.
	
		
			  Persons senten ced to community sentences at al l courts by t ype of community sentence, 1999 to  2009-England and Wales 
			  Number of persons and percentage 
			  Type of community sentence  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004 
			  All offences   
			 Total persons sentenced 1,397,786 1,414,188 1,338,522 1,410,505 1,479,812 1,536,825 
			 Percentage given community sentences 10.8 11.0 12.3 13.2 12.9 13.1 
			
			  Community sentences:   
			 Community rehabilitation order(1) 58,368 56,459 58,947 63,781 63,202 60,661 
			 Supervision order 12,679 11,556 11,083 10,502 9,870 10,119 
			 Community punishment order(1) 49,597 49,983 49,764 50,791 50,382 53,886 
			 Attendance centre order 8,679 7,041 5,824 4,031 3,283 3,432 
			 Community punishment and rehabilitation order(1) 20,733 19,241 14,662 15,484 15,159 15,972 
			 Curfew order 1,577 2,597 3,863 6,266 9,599 15,142 
			 Reparation order - 3,984 7,975 5,004 3,111 3,087 
			 Action plan order - 4,356 8,650 6,181 4,348 4,486 
			 Drug treatment and testing order - 321 4,229 5,272 7,058 8,596 
			 Referral order(2) - - - 19,208 25,410 26,122 
			 Community order(3) - - - - - - 
			
			 Total community sentences 151,633 155,538 164,997 186,520 191,422 201,503 
		
	
	
		
			  Number of persons and percentage 
			  Type of community sentence  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009 
			  All offences  
			 Total persons sentenced 1,473,275 1,412,940 1,406,788 1,353,937 1,397,310 
			 Percentage given community sentences 13.9 13.5 14.0 14.0 14.0 
			   
			  Community sentences:  
			 Community rehabilitation order(1) 33,583 3,854 2,282 2,033 1,720 
			 Supervision order 10,600 11,196 11,952 9,642 8,071 
			 Community punishment order(1) 34,808 5,832 2,541 2,070 1,819 
			 Attendance centre order 3,305 3,169 3,455 2,868 2,516 
			 Community punishment and rehabilitation order(1) 10,812 2,268 1,588 1,598 1,708 
			 Curfew order 12,129 6,511 6,594 6,710 7,077 
			 Reparation order 3,217 3,745 4,055 4,066 3,559 
			 Action plan order 4,832 4,867 4,865 4,074 3,242 
			 Drug treatment and testing order 5,541 306 38 10 3 
			 Referral order(2) 29,958 30,070 32,142 29,423 28,139 
			 Community order(3) 55,462 119,019 126,912 127,677 137,911 
			   
			 Total community sentences 204,247 190,837 196,424 190,171 195,765 
			 (1) Some community sentences were renamed in April 2001. Community rehabilitation order was previously probation order, community punishment order was previously community service order and community punishment and rehabilitation order was previously combination order. (2) Referral orders were introduced nationally on 1 April 2002. The figures include extensions of referral orders (retrospectively for 2002-04). (3) The community order was introduced on 4 April 2005 and applies to offences committed on or after that date. 
		
	
	
		
			  Persons sentenced to community sentences and percentage sentenced to communit y sentence by age and sex, 1999 to  2009-England and Wales 
			  Number of persons and percentage 
			  Age   1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004 
			  All persons
			 Aged 10-17 Total number sentenced 90,160 91,480 95,485 94,548 92,531 96,188 
			  Number given community sentences 30,623 35,972 42,859 54,187 54,952 56,715 
			  Percentage given community 34.0 39.3 44.9 57.3 59.4 59.0 
			 
			 Aged 18-20 Total number sentenced 165,412 162,090 157,907 159,384 162,067 156,399 
			  Number given community sentences 26,934 26,499 26,368 26,743 26,462 27,460 
			  Percentage given community 16.3 16.3 16.7 16.8 16.3 17.6 
			 
			 Aged 21 and over Total number sentenced 1,142,214 1,160,618 1,085,130 1,156,572 1,225,214 1,284,238 
			  Number given community sentences 94,076 93,067 95,770 105,590 110,008 117,328 
			  Percentage given community 8.2 8.0 8.8 9.1 9.0 9.1 
			 
			 All ages Total number sentenced 1,397,786 1,414,188 1,338,522 1,410,504 1,479,812 1,536,825 
			  Number given community sentences 151,633 155,538 164,997 186,520 191,422 201,503 
			  Percentage given community 10.8 11.0 12.3 13.2 12.9 13.1 
		
	
	
		
			  Number of persons and percentage 
			  Age   2005  2006  2007  2008  2009 
			  All persons   
			 Aged 10-17 Total number sentenced 96,203 93,806 97,387 88,375 81,490 
			  Number given community sentences 61,106 61,498 66,007 60,043 55,923 
			  Percentage given community 63.5 65.6 67.8 67.9 68.6 
			
			 Aged 18-20 Total number sentenced 146,051 142,694 140,276 137,575 141,884 
			  Number given community sentences 26,756 24,879 25,314 24,259 26,031 
			  Percentage given community 18.3 17.4 18.0 17.6 18.3 
			
			 Aged 21 and over Total number sentenced 1,231,021 1,176,440 1,169,125 1,127,987 1,173,936 
			  Number given community sentences 116,385 104,460 105,103 105,869 113,811 
			  Percentage given community 9.5 8.9 9.0 9.4 9.7 
			
			 All ages Total number sentenced 1,473,275 1,412,940 1,406,788 1,353,937 1,397,310 
			  Number given community sentences 204,247 190,837 196,424 190,171 195,765 
			  Percentage given community 13.9 13.5 14.0 14.0 14.0

Sentencing

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what definition of a short sentence his Department uses.

Crispin Blunt: There is no legal definition of a short custodial sentence but for most purposes the Department categorises a short custodial sentence as one where the headline sentence is under 12 months.

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Anti-Semitism

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent representations the cross-Government working group to tackle anti-Semitism has received from the Jewish community; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Stunell: The cross-Government working group to tackle anti-Semitism is made up of officials from across Government and senior representatives of the Jewish community and therefore is in regular receipt of representations from the Jewish community on issues of concern.

Audit Commission

Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of the National Audit Office assuming the Audit Commission functions regarding  (a) value for money studies and  (b) the exercise of public interest responsibilities by auditors.

Bob Neill: My Department is working with the Audit Commission, the National Audit Office and other partners to consider a range of options for the functions currently undertaken by the Commission, including value for money studies. As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government announced on 13 August, district auditors will retain a duty for reporting issues in the public interest. It is not envisaged that the National Audit Office will assume any of the Audit Commission's functions in this respect.
	My Department has not yet made any estimate of the cost and savings that would arise if the National Audit Office assumed any of the Audit Commission's functions. Any such cost and savings will be reflected in the impact assessment which we will publish when introducing any legislation to effect these changes.

Audit Commission

Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the purpose was of the Audit Commission's payment of £1,434 to SPA Landscaping in 2009-10; and what works were undertaken.

Bob Neill: This is an operational matter for the Audit Commission and I have asked the Chief Executive of the Audit Commission to write to my hon. Friend directly.
	 Letter from Peter Wilkinson, dated 1 November 2010:
	Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave.
	SPA Landscaping provided grounds maintenance services at Audit Commission offices at Littlemoor House in Eckington. The payment of £1,434 was in respect of services provided in accordance with the specification and contract for grounds maintenance at that site.

Audit Commission

Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the  (a) purpose,  (b) date and  (c) occasion was in respect of which the Audit Commission paid £1,897 to St Martin-in-the-Fields in 2009-10.

Bob Neill: This is an operational matter for the Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive of the Audit Commission to write to my hon. Friend directly.
	 Letter from Andy McKeon, dated 1 November 2010:
	Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave.
	St Martin-in-the-Fields was used as a venue for a joint media launch of the Oneplace website and the publication of the first set of Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA) reports. It took place on 7 December 2009. This was a joint event with the CAA partner inspectorates (Ofsted, Care Quality Commission, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, HM Inspectorate of Prisons and HM inspectorate of Probation) and was attended by members of the national and trade media.

Audit Commission

Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  what the  (a) purpose,  (b) date and  (c) occasion was in respect of which the Audit Commission paid £3,650 to the Science Museum in 2009-10;
	(2)  what the  (a) purpose,  (b) date and  (c) occasion was in respect of which the Audit Commission paid £1,545 to Digby Trout Restaurants Ltd in the category of learning and development services in 2009-10.

Bob Neill: This is an operational matter for the Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive of the Audit Commission to write to my hon. Friend directly.
	 Letter from Peter Wilkinson, dated 1 November 2010:
	Your Parliamentary Questions have been passed to me to reply on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave.
	The questions relate to the same event so I am responding to them in the same letter.
	In Spring 2009, the Audit Commission's Local Government and Assessment Directorate underwent a restructure as it took on responsibility for the new Comprehensive Area Assessment. A one day core team workshop took place on 12 May 2009 as part of the preparation for this major national initiative.
	Workshop facilities at the Science Museum provided confidential discussion space and adjoining breakout rooms for working sessions. The figure quoted covered the cost of the venue and equipment hire.
	Digby Trout Restaurants Ltd are the venue's in-house caterers and the payment was the total cost of catering at the basic day delegate catering rate.

Audit Commission

Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the  (a) purpose,  (b) date and  (c) occasion was in respect of which the Audit Commission paid £15,025 to Steps Drama Learning Development in 2009-10.

Bob Neill: This is an operational matter for the Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive of the Audit Commission to write to my hon. Friend directly.
	 Letter from Peter Wilkinson, dated 1 November 2010:
	Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave.
	Steps Drama Learning Development are training specialists who work with a wide variety of clients in the public and private sectors, including HSBC, British Airways and the NHS. The Commission worked with Steps on a number of occasions in 2009-10.
	(1) Steps ran four workshops on 15 & 17 July and 10 & 20 August for the Human Resources department. This was a programme developed to help staff understand and address areas of concern identified in our 2009 employee survey.
	(2) Steps contributed to three development centres for potential Principal Auditors in February and March 2010. Steps staff developed realistic scenarios to test the auditors' client relationship skills.

Audit Commission: Conflict Management Plus

Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the  (a) purpose,  (b) date and  (c) occasion was for which the Audit Commission incurred expenditure of £3,851 on Conflict Management Plus in 2008-09.

Bob Neill: This is an operational matter for the Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive of the Audit Commission to write to my hon. Friend directly.
	 Letter from Andy McKeon, dated 1 November 2010:
	Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave.
	In September 2008, following a competitive tender, the Commission engaged Conflict Management Plus to assist us in developing our managers to resolve staff disputes and difficulties. Conflict Management Plus attended a one day review workshop and subsequently advised us on the best approach for managers.

Audit Commission: Connaught

Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the  (a) purpose,  (b) date and  (c) occasion was for which the Audit Commission incurred expenditure of £19,545 on the New Connaught Rooms in 2008-09.

Bob Neill: This is an operational matter for the Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive of the Audit Commission to write to my hon. Friend directly.
	 Letter from Andy McKeon, dated 1 November 2010:
	Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave.
	The Audit Commission incurred this expenditure for two events in 2008-09.
	30 September 2008-A senior stakeholder briefing, bringing together local authorities and PCTs to discuss the new framework for Comprehensive Area Assessment.
	1 December 2008-An internal staff briefing event to discuss restructuring. This venue was used to accommodate the large number of staff in attendance. The Commission does not have offices big enough to facilitate this kind of event.

Audit Commission: Consultants

Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for what programmes or projects undertaken by the Audit Commission strategic consultancy was provided by  (a) Deloitte,  (b) GFK NOP Limited,  (c) Jodi Berg,  (d) Lawson Wright Ltd,  (e) OPM - London,  (f) PA Consulting Services and  (g) Ville and Company in 2009-10.

Bob Neill: This is an operational matter for the Audit Commission and I have asked the Chief Executive of the Audit Commission to write to my hon. Friend directly.
	 Letter from Peter Wilkinson, dated 1 November 2010:
	Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave.
	You asked for Information on consultancy work provided by a number of firms in 2009-10. These details are as follows:
	 (a) Deloitte LLP
	Deloitte provided expert knowledge on treasury management for the review of local authority treasury management, Risk and Return: English Local Authorities and Icelandic Banks, published in March 2009.
	 (b) GFK NOP Ltd
	GFK NOP is a leading market research organisation, it was appointed to undertake an employee attitude survey in January 2009.
	 (c) Jodi Berg
	Jodi Berg, the independent Complaints Reviewer, provides the third stage of the Audit Commission's complaints process. Because the Commission does not come under the remit of an Ombudsman, the Commission's Board, which is responsible for the complaints process, decided that an independent stage was necessary.
	Further information on the full complaints process is published on the Commission's website at:
	http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/aboutus/contactus/complaints/pages/default.aspx
	and information on the services provided by the ICR on her website at:
	http://www.icrev.org.uk
	 (d) Lawson Wright Ltd
	Lawson Wright Ltd is an HR consultancy company. It provided a confidential helpline service to staff.
	 (e) OPM - London
	OPM carried out work assessing the costs to local authorities of meeting the requirements of the Comprehensive Performance Assessment and Comprehensive Area Assessment processes. Its report was published in March 2010.
	 (f) PA Consulting Services
	PA Consulting Services was engaged to support the Commission's Continuous Improvement and Innovation Programme. This was designed to deliver efficiency savings. PA Consulting provided specialist skills and support.
	 (g) Ville and Company
	Ville & Company provided a briefing on decision-making on the allocation of teaching resources by maintained schools. This was incorporated in Valuable Lessons, published in June 2009.
	Ville and Company also scoped a potential study of local authorities' spending on energy, as part of the Commission's process for selecting its study programme.
	Following the Commission's decision to end Use of Resources assessments, Ville local audit work could best help PCTs improve value for money.

Audit Commission: Exeter Golf and Country Club

Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the  (a) purpose,  (b) date and  (c) occasion was for which the Audit Commission incurred expenditure on (i) Exeter Golf and Country Club, (ii) Malmaison Hotel, (iii) Hotel du Vin and Bistro, (iv) The Royal Horseguards and (v) South West Lakes in 2008-09.

Bob Neill: This is an operational matter for the Audit Commission and I have asked the Chief Executive of the Audit Commission to write to my hon. Friend directly.
	 Letter from Andy McKeon, dated 1 November 2010:
	Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave.
	The Audit Commission incurred expenditure in 2008-09 as follows:
	(a) Exeter Golf and Country Club - This venue was used to hold a stakeholder briefing for Finance Directors from the Local Government and Health sectors. The event took place on 4/5 February 2009 and was part of the Final Accounts Local Government and NHS Conference.
	(b) Malmaison Hotel - This venue was used for a staff training event held over a three day period, from 16-18 July 2008. The Commission does not have offices big enough to facilitate this kind of event.
	(c) Hotel du Vin and Bistro - The Commission incurred this expenditure for two events. We hosted the Housing Excellence Awards Lunch at Hotel du Vin and Bistro on 17 June 2008 that was held during the Chartered Institute of Housing Conference. We also held a strategic studies development event at the Malmaison in Birmingham on 16 June 2008, which at the time was part of the Hotel du Vin group.
	(d) The Royal Horseguards - The Audit Commission held Parliamentary Dinners for MPs from all three main political parties to brief them on our national reports and studies programme and on Comprehensive Area Assessment. It was also an opportunity for MPs to raise with us any areas of concern, or where they felt the Commission could assist. These dinners were held in October/November 2008 and February 2009.
	In July 2008 we hosted a dinner for Chief Executives of Housing Associations to discuss the key changes affecting the housing environment, such the Housing and Regeneration Bill, the state of the housing market and the introduction of short life inspections on housing associations by the Audit Commission.
	In November 2008 we hosted a CAA Cross Inspectorate dinner to discuss the development of the new performance framework for local authorities. We also hosted a seminar of senior representatives from the NHS, the Dept of Health, other national bodies and private sector providers of information to discuss data quality in the NHS and how it could be improved.
	(e) South West Lakes - This venue was used for staff team meetings in November 2008 and January 2009. The Commission does not have offices big enough to facilitate this kind of event.

Audit Commission: Historic Royal Palaces

Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the  (a) purpose,  (b) date and  (c) occasion was for which the Audit Commission incurred expenditure of £3,450 on Historic Royal Palaces Enterprise in 2008-09.

Bob Neill: This is an operational matter for the Audit Commission and I have asked the Chief Executive of the Audit Commission to write to my hon. Friend directly.
	 Letter from Andy McKeon, dated 1 November 20120:
	Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me for reply on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave.
	The Audit Commission paid a deposit of 30 per cent on 30 December 2008 (£3,450) to secure the Banqueting House as a venue for the Vil Eurorai Congress. The event took place on 4 October 2010.
	Eurorai is a network of over 70 regional audit bodies in Europe and has been in place for nearly 20 years. It exists to enable practising auditors in different regions and countries to share experiences and learning.
	A congress is held every three years and the Region of the President elect is the host for this event. In 2007, we agreed that we would act as the host and plans have been underway to organise the congress for the last three years. Following the Secretary of State's announcement on 13 August of the Audit Commission's abolition, we considered our position and agreed to go ahead with the congress and fulfil our commitment.
	The congress was fully funded by Eurorai, and the dinner at Banqueting House by a small contribution from the Audit Commission and partner agencies including from the accountancy profession and some private sector audit firms. The Audit Commission's costs were in the region of £5,000.

Audit Commission: London Zoo

Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the  (a) purpose,  (b) date and  (c) occasion was for which the Audit Commission incurred expenditure of £13,470 on Leith's at London Zoo in 2008-09.

Bob Neill: This is an operational matter for the Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive of the Audit Commission to write to my hon. Friend directly.
	 Letter from Andy McKeon, dated 1 November 2010:
	Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave.
	The Audit Commission did not incur expenditure of this amount at Leith's at London Zoo.
	The Audit Commission did make a payment of this amount to Leith's at The British Library. The occasion was a two-day Appointed Auditors Conference held on 29/30 April 2009.

Audit Commission: Marketing

Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what marketing projects were undertaken for the Audit Commission by  (a) Grant Riches,  (b) HSAG Design and  (c) Ocean Media Group in 2009-10.

Bob Neill: This is an operational matter for the Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive of the Audit Commission to write to my hon. Friend directly.
	 Letter from Peter Wilkinson, dated 1 November 2010:
	Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave.
	The following marketing projects were undertaken:
	 (a) Grant Riches provided the Commission with additional support to help promote Comprehensive Area Assessment and the associated Oneplace website.
	 (b) HSAG Design helped us develop extensions to our visual identity guidelines. This is a document that prescribes how we produce everything from stationery through to exhibition signs. It provides guidelines on how to use corporate colours and design to comply with good practice on accessibility for partially sighted people.
	 (c) Ocean Media Group runs the Chartered Institute of Housing's (CIH) annual conference. The payment to it was for the Commission's presence at the 2009 CIH conference in Harrogate.

Audit Commission: Marks' Home and Garden

Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the  (a) purpose,  (b) date and  (c) occasion was for which the Audit Commission incurred expenditure of £940 on Marks' Home and Garden maintenance services in 2008-09.

Bob Neill: This is an operational matter for the Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive of the Audit Commission to write to my hon. Friend directly.
	 Letter from Andy McKeon, dated 1 November 2010:
	Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave.
	In July 2008, the Audit Commission used Marks' Home and Garden maintenance services to clear the driveway and surrounding area at our Ipswich offices.

Audit Commission: Nineteen Restaurant

Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the  (a) purpose,  (b) date and (c) occasion was for which the Audit Commission incurred expenditure at (i) Nineteen Restaurant, (ii) L'Oranger Restaurants Ltd, (iii) the London Hilton and (iv) 60 Hope Street in 2008-09.

Bob Neill: This is an operational matter for the Audit Commission and I have asked the Chief Executive of the Audit Commission to write to my hon. Friend directly.
	 Letter from Andy McKeon, dated 1 November 2010:
	Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave. The Audit Commission incurred expenditure in 2008-09 as follows:
	 Nineteen Restaurant
	The Audit Commission used to allocate funding for social events at Christmas and on this occasion staff in our North Yorkshire Office used this venue. Following a Board decision, this funding was subsequently withdrawn across the Commission from June 2009.
	 L'Oranger Restaurants Ltd
	The Audit Commission hosted a dinner for senior stakeholders at L'Oranger restaurant on 8 December 2008 to discuss the development of the new performance framework for local authorities, Comprehensive Area Assessment. The purpose was to ensure that the design of the new framework took account of the views of senior figures in local government and the dinner formed part of a wider consultation process.
	 The London Hilton
	The Audit Commission's Senior Management Team, which consists of the Chief Executive and Managing Directors, held a strategy meeting at the London Hilton on 10 March 2008. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the development of CAA following the consultation process with senior stakeholders.
	 60 Hope Street
	The Audit Commission hosted a dinner for senior stakeholders at 60 Hope Street Restaurant on 19 January 2009 to discuss the development of the new performance framework for local authorities, Comprehensive Area Assessment. The purpose was to ensure that the design of the new framework took account of the views of senior figures in local government and the dinner formed part of a wider consultation process.

Audit Commission: Official Hospitality

Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much the Audit Commission spent on  (a) hospitality,  (b) hotel accommodation and  (c) communications, marketing and public relations in each of the last three financial years.

Bob Neill: This is an operational matter for the Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive of the Audit Commission to write to my hon. Friend directly.
	 Letter from Peter Wilkinson, dated 1 November 2010:
	Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave.
	a) The Audit Commission spent the following sums on hospitality in each of the last three years. In order to be consistent with data previously provided for the Public Sector Procurement Expenditure Survey we have defined hospitality as the provision of food and beverages at our own premises.
	
		
			   £ 
			 2007-08 211,845 
			 2008-09 229,134 
			 2009-10 289,271 
		
	
	b) The Audit Commission spent the following sums on hotel accommodation in each of the last three years. This includes all expenditure booked through Expotel, which provides access to negotiated government hotel rates, for staff required to work away from their home base and stay overnight. In line with data previously published as part of the Public Sector Procurement Expenditure Survey this excludes expenditure on training and events.
	
		
			   £ 
			 2007-08 1,246,815 
			 2008-09 1,910,944 
			 2009-10 1,614,953 
		
	
	c) The Audit Commission spent the following sums on communications, marketing and public relations in each of the last three years. This excludes staff salaries but includes all other expenditure undertaken by the Communications and Public Reporting function such as the production and publication of audit inspection and study reports, responding to media enquiries, website maintenance, conferences, exhibitions and internal communications.
	
		
			   £ 
			 2007-08 1,547,570 
			 2008-09 1,301,354 
			 2009-10 1,163,643

Audit Commission: Oval Events

Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the  (a) purpose,  (b) date and  (c) occasion of the Audit Commission's expenditure on Oval Events was in (i) 2008-09 and (ii) 2009-10.

Bob Neill: This is an operational matter for the Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive of the Audit Commission to write to my hon. Friend directly.
	 Letter from Andy McKeon, dated 1 November 2010:
	Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave.
	The purpose of the spending on Oval Events was:
	2008/09-6 one-day training events on non-cricket days
	2009/10-1 one-day training event on a non-cricket day
	The cost of each event was approximately £2,000. The number of attendees ranged from 24 to 32.

Audit Commission: Press Cuttings

Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much the Audit Commission spent on  (a) press cuttings and  (b) opinion research in each of the last three financial years.

Bob Neill: This is an operational matter for the Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive of the Audit Commission to write to my hon. Friend directly.
	 Letter from Andy McKeon, dated 1 November 2010:
	Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave.
	The Audit Commission's press cutting agency is Durrants and we use them for national, regional, local and trade cuttings and for media evaluation. The Commission spent £66,282 in 2007/08; £42,194 in 2008/09; and £52,758 in 2009/10.
	The Commission has spent the following amounts on opinion research: £70,881 in 2007/08; £54,206 in 2008/09; and £73,192 in 2009/10. The Commission has defined opinion research as contact with its stakeholders to elicit views on the Commission as an organisation and on the services it provides.

Audit Commission: Progressive Resources Ltd

Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the  (a) purpose,  (b) date and  (c) occasion was for which the Audit Commission incurred expenditure of £6,850 on Progressive Resources Ltd in 2008-09; and what the nature was of the teambuilding events that took place.

Bob Neill: This is an operational matter for the Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive of the Audit Commission to write to my hon. Friend directly.
	 Letter from Peter Wilkinson, dated 1 November 2010:
	Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave.
	In October 2008, we decided to merge two sub-regions, South East and South Central. In doing so we reduced costs and increased productivity through economies of scale. The merger did, however, bring its own major challenges and it was recognised that the integration of the two former teams required substantial change.
	We therefore held an event over two days on 10/11 December 2008, using Progressive Resources Ltd. We had major sessions on audit quality; connecting audit and Comprehensive Area Assessment; and values and expectations. We also included representatives from the accounting firms, who joined us on day two. Around 200 delegates attended the event.
	Progressive Resources Ltd provides corporate team building events to large multi-nationals as well as public sector organisations.

Audit Commission: Public Finances

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans he has for the charging structure for local government audit work undertaken by private auditors following the end of the Audit Commission; what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of such work in each of the next three years; and if he will make a statement.

Bob Neill: My Department is working with the Audit Commission, the National Audit Office and other partners to consider a range of options for the future of local audit following the disbandment of the Commission, including options for moving the Commission's in-house audit practice into the private sector. This work includes making estimates of the costs and savings of options, a process which is currently in progress. All such costs and savings will be reflected in the impact assessment which we will publish when introducing any legislation to effect these changes.

Audit Commission: Smith Institute

Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what payments the Audit Commission made to the Smith Institute in each of the last three financial years; and for what purposes and projects.

Bob Neill: This is an operational matter for the Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive of the Audit Commission to write to my hon. Friend directly.
	 Letter from Andy McKeon, dated 1 November 2010:
	Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply on behalf of the Chief Executive who is currently on annual leave.
	The Audit Commission has made one payment of £10,000 to the Smith Institute (in August 2008) during the last three financial years. The payment was sponsorship for a project on the future of public sector regulation.
	The Smith Institute was planning to conduct an expert round table and publish and launch a monograph of essays on the future of public sector regulation. The Smith Institute sought additional sponsorship for the event and publication. However, the project was subsequently cancelled and the Smith Institute agreed to refund £9,250 to the Audit Commission.

Carers: Public Expenditure

Hywel Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will make arrangements to ensure that local authorities do not reduce services essential to  (a) carers and  (b) disabled people following the comprehensive spending review; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Burstow: I have been asked to reply.
	The spending review recognises the importance of social care in protecting the most vulnerable in society. In recognition of the pressures on the social care system in a challenging fiscal climate, the coalition Government has allocated an additional £2 billion by 2014-15 to support the delivery of social care. This means, with an ambitious programme of efficiency, that there is enough funding available both to protect people's access to services and deliver new approaches to improve quality and outcomes.
	We have achieved this by:
	the NHS transferring some funding from the health capital budget to health revenue, to be spent on measures that support social care, which also benefits health. This funding will be up to £1 billion in 2014-15; and
	additional grant funding, rising to £1 billion by 2014-15, will be made available for social care. This funding will be allocated in addition to the Department's existing social care grants, which will rise in line with inflation. Total grant funding from the Department for social care will reach £2.4 billion by 2014-15. In order to support local flexibility and to reduce administrative burdens, this funding will go to authorities through the revenue support grant.

Coal: Mining

Hywel Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  what recent assessment he has made of the economic, social and cultural needs of former coalmining areas; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what recent research his Department has  (a) evaluated,  (b) commissioned and  (c) undertaken on regeneration strategies for former coalmining areas; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Stunell: The Department for Communities and Local Government commissioned a review of coalfields regeneration led by Michael Clapham. The Coalfields Regeneration Review Report was presented to Government in September 2010.
	The review looked at all aspects of coalfields regeneration, including the economic, social and cultural needs of coalfield areas. The review considered data and evidence provided by delivery bodies, including the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, the Homes and Communities Agency, local authorities, Communities and Local Government analysts and other Government Departments. It also considered previous research, particularly the report from the Audit Commission ('A mine of opportunity: local authorities and the regeneration of the English Coalfields (2008)').
	The Review Board also carried out a consultation exercise seeking views from a wide range of bodies on coalfields regeneration, including local authorities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises.
	Government are considering the recommendations made in the report and intend to respond formally in November.
	A full copy of the report, which includes all the data referred to above, is available on the Communities and Local Government website at:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/regeneration/reviewcoalfieldsregeneration

Council Housing

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of geographical variations in market rents in formulating the proposal to raise the rents of new council tenants to 80% of market rent; and if he will make a statement.

Grant Shapps: We will publish more detail on the implementation of new "affordable rent" tenure shortly.

Council Tax: Medway

Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many properties there are in each council tax band in the Medway Council area; and how many in each band are long-term empty dwellings.

Bob Neill: The numbers of properties and empty domestic dwellings in the Medway council area in each council tax band as at 5 October 2009 are shown in the following table.
	
		
			Of which: 
			   Number of properties  Long term empty 
			 A 10,803 317 
			 B 37,109 530 
			 C 32,334 277 
			 D 16,181 105 
			 E 7,960 70 
			 F 3,330 22 
			 G 1,207 7 
			 H 66 4 
			 Total 108,990 1,332 
		
	
	The data are taken from the Council Tax Base and Council Tax Base (Supplementary) forms completed annually in October by all billing authorities in England and returned to the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Emergency Services

Roger Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of the regional fire and emergency response programme.

Bob Neill: The current estimated cost of the FiReControl project is £423 million, initiated by the last Government.
	The FiReControl project is over-budget and behind schedule. The new Government are committed to ensuring value for money for the taxpayer, improving resilience and stopping the forced regionalisation of the fire service.

Emergency Services

Roger Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent estimate he has made of  (a) the likely date of commissioning of the new regional fire and emergency response centres and  (b) the cost to the public purse of the construction programme for these centres.

Bob Neill: The Department for Communities and Local Government have activated a milestone in its contract with the main contractor EADS for the completed IT system to be delivered in the first three control centres by mid-2011. The first fire and rescue services would switch over their control room operations some time after this, when they had completed preparations to their satisfaction, including the final test of the system, training and data input.
	The control centres were procured through a private developer scheme, so the total costs of the land, construction, fit-out and plant are paid through lease payments over a 20 or 25 year period.
	As with all major Government projects FiReControl is being reviewed to ensure value-for-money for the taxpayer. We have been clear that EADS (now branded as Cassidian) must deliver to time, cost and quality. This Government are not prepared to pour any more taxpayers' money into funding their further delays, nor can they cut any corners in the quality of the system they deliver.

Emergency Services

Roger Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate he has made of the additional  (a) costs of and  (b) savings from an immediate termination of the regional fire and emergency response centre programme.

Bob Neill: We are currently working with the FiReControl project contractor EADS to ensure they deliver the main IT system to time, cost and quality.
	If it were to become necessary to terminate the project, the only contracts to which significant cancellation charges could apply would be those awarded to EADS for the integrated system and Babcock for facilities management of the control centre buildings. These cancellation charges could vary significantly depending on the circumstances in which the contracts were cancelled. Specific arrangements set out in these contracts cannot be disclosed due to commercial confidentiality. Savings could also accrue from the cancellation of these contracts as well as from the cessation of national team staffing costs and local implementation costs paid to fire and rescue authorities which are currently funded for this work under New Burdens principles.
	Savings generated would be offset by ongoing liabilities for the control centre buildings. If the project were cancelled the Department would seek to identify suitable third parties to make use of the accommodation and contribute to costs.
	As with all major Government projects FiReControl is being reviewed to ensure value-for-money for the taxpayer. We have been clear that EADS (now branded as Cassidian) must deliver to time, cost and quality. This Government are not prepared to pour any more taxpayers' money into funding their further delays, nor can they cut any corners in the quality of the system they deliver.

European Regional Development Fund

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of the implications for the current round of the European Regional Development Fund of the abolition of regional development agencies.

Bob Neill: We are currently considering the future arrangements for running European regional development fund programmes in the regions, after the abolition of the regional development agencies, and we will make an announcement when the decision has been reached.

Fire Services: North East

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the timetable is for the establishment of the regional control centre for the fire service for the north-east.

Bob Neill: The control centre in the north-east, at Durham, is fully constructed and fitted out. The Department for Communities and Local Government has activated a key milestone in its contract with the main FiReControl contractor EADS (now branded Cassidian) requiring them to deliver the completed IT system in three control centres by mid-2011. The north-east control centre is one of these. The first Fire and Rescue Services would switch over after this, when they had completed their preparations, including data input, training and the final assurance testing test.
	The FiReControl project, initiated by the last Government, is over-budget and behind schedule. As with all major Government projects it is being reviewed to ensure value for money for the taxpayers. We have been clear that EADS must deliver to time, cost and quality. The new Government are committed to ensuring value for money for the taxpayer, improving resilience and stopping the forced regionalisation of the fire service.

Fire Services: Nottinghamshire

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many  (a) full-time and  (b) retained firefighters there are in each fire station in (i) Bassetlaw and (ii) Nottinghamshire.

Bob Neill: This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	The latest levels of staffing of wholetime and retained firefighters are collected for each Fire and Rescue Authority. Figures for Nottinghamshire and England are provided in the following table.
	
		
			  Levels of staffing  of wholetime and retained fire fighters in Nottinghamshire and England at 31 March 2010 
			   Number 
			  Wholetime( 1)  
			 Nottinghamshire 565 
			 England 29,735 
			   
			  Retained Duty System( 2)  
			 Nottinghamshire 198 
			 England 11,899 
			 (1) Full-time equivalent. (2) In 24-hour units of cover.  Source: Fire and Rescue Services Annual Returns to CLG

Fire Services: Strikes

Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent discussions  (a) he and  (b) his officials have had with the Mayor of London on strike action by London fire crews; what assessment he has made of the adequacy of contingency arrangements in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement.

Bob Neill: As I indicated in my statement to the House on the 26 October, I am in regular contact with the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority. They have reassured me that their contingency arrangements worked during the eight-hour strike on the 23 October and will work for any future strikes.
	My Department is also working to ensure that in the event of a major incident, the National Co-ordination and Advisory Framework arrangements, overseen by the chief fire and rescue adviser, will ensure the deployment of any necessary specialist equipment.

Grants: Expenditure

Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the  (a) purpose and  (b) programme or project of each of the grants given under the LG-Interreg IIIA SE DTLR heading was in his published grant expenditure data for 2009-10.

Bob Neill: Details of the 11 projects and 13 payments, which relate to grants paid under the Franco-British Interreg IIIA programme co-financed by the European regional development fund, are given in the following table:
	
		
			  Supplier  Transaction number  Amount in s terling  (£)  British project r eference  Project t itle  Purpose  Comments 
			 Medway council 2500121396 5,739.00 342 Champion-Championing Community Well-Being-A Common Cross-Border Imperative Enhancing the well-being of citizens in Medway and Grande-Synthe through improvements to their health and community services Revenue costs 
			 Kent county council 2500121399 226,282.00 313 Cross-Channel Greenways Development of environmentally friendly and sustainable travel routes in Kent, Medway and the Nord Department Revenue costs 
			 Brighton and Hove City PCT 2500121411 14,424.00 206 Share the expertise of three health networks for the benefits of cancer patients Steps to harmonise the treatment of cancer patients in Kent, Sussex and Upper Normandy by adopting best practice from each area Revenue costs 
			 Medway council 2500121445 26,822.00 217 Promoting the Mental Health of Young People (12-18 years) Development of strategies to tackle social exclusion among young people in Medway and the Somme Department Revenue costs 
			 Medway council 2500121462 1,500.00 480 Cross-Channel waste and energy management audit at tourist sites Identification of problems of waste generated by growing numbers of visitors to sites in the Baie de Somme and the Medway area Revenue costs 
			 East Sussex CC 2500121443 49,217.00 456 Community Challenge: Take Part, Make a Difference Development of common strategies to improve waste management information and incentives for citizens of the Seine-Maritime Department and East Sussex Revenue costs 
			 Kent county council 2500121465 102,001.00 185 Financing of the Joint Technical Secretariat and logistical costs Support towards four technical assistants based in Kent, Medway, East Sussex and the City of Brighton and Hove to promote the programme and develop new projects Revenue costs 
			 Medway council 2500121503 6,235.00 482 CONMIIXT (CONRAD and MIIXT) Enabling citizens of Medway and Dunkirk to develop further collaboration on shared social cohesion issues Revenue costs 
			 East Sussex CC 2500121499 26,124.00 334 Nature Without Borders: discovering bird life and wetland Creation of two new eco-tourism products exploring the special natural attributes of Kent, East Sussex, and the Seine-Maritime and Somme Departments Revenue costs 
			 East Sussex CC 2500121506 23,915.00 255 Nature Corridors for All-Phase II (Refine, Develop and Sustain) Engaging people with learning difficulties in East Sussex, Brighton and Hove, and the Seine-Maritime Department in shared activities to support protection of the environment and wildlife Revenue costs 
			 East Sussex CC 2500121544 48,426.00 295 Rethinking Rubbish-Tackling our waste problems together Identification of, and proposing solutions to, issues of growing volume of waste in communities in East Sussex and the Seine-Maritime Department Revenue costs 
			 East Sussex CC 2500121548 28,927.00 356 New Opportunities for Sustainable (Social and Environmental) Integration Setting up training opportunities for disabled people and those with special needs, and improving access for them to the countryside and historical sites Revenue costs 
			 East Sussex CC 2500121544 6,955.00 295 Rethinking Rubbish-Tackling our waste problems together Identification of, and proposing solutions to, issues of growing volume of waste in communities in East Sussex and the Seine-Maritime Department Capital costs 
			 East Sussex CC 2500121548 6,690.00 356 New Opportunities for Sustainable (Social and Environmental) Integration Setting up training opportunities for disabled people and those with special needs, and improving access for them to the countryside and historical sites Capital costs

Homelessness

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent estimate he made of the number of  (a) statutory homelessness acceptances and  (b) households assisted with obtaining or retaining private sector accommodation under relief and prevention of homelessness powers.

Grant Shapps: Statutory homelessness data collected include the number of households accepted by local housing authorities as eligible for assistance, unintentionally homeless and in priority need, and therefore owed a main homelessness duty (to secure that suitable accommodation is available). These are published by the Department in the quarterly Statistical Release on Statutory Homelessness via the DCLG website:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/housingresearch/housingstatistics/housingstatisticsby/homelessnessstatistics/publicationshomelessness/
	The number of households accepted as owed a main homelessness duty was 10,100 during the second quarter of 2010 (April to June).
	The latest information on local authorities' prevention and relief activities taking place outside the homelessness statutory framework can be found in the Department's Homelessness Prevention and Relief Statistical Release via the DCLG website:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/statistics/homelessnessprevention200910
	In 2009-10 there were 50,700 cases of homelessness prevention or relief where the household was assisted to obtain alternative accommodation in the private rented sector and 200 cases where the household was assisted to find a low cost home ownership or other low-cost market housing solution.

Housing Benefit

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate he has made of the number of people likely to be affected by the increase in the age threshold for housing benefit; what estimate he has made of the likely associated costs of providing bed and breakfast accommodation for such people; and if he will make a statement.

Grant Shapps: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) assesses that the increase in the age threshold for the shared room rate announced in the spending review will affect around 88,000 claimants. DWP are working closely with other Departments to assess the wider impacts for affected claimants and are to publish a full impact assessment when legislation is laid before Parliament.
	An additional £130 million would be made available, via DWP, to local authorities to administer discretionary housing payments to provide extra support for households where needed. I have provided a further £10 million in this financial year to London local authorities to help support those families most at risk of homelessness.
	The Government are committed to tackling and preventing homelessness. I have established a new cross-Government working group on homelessness bringing together Ministers from eight Government Departments to address complex causes of homelessness and rough sleeping.
	Last week I announced that over the course of the spending review over £400 million of homelessness grant will be made available to local authorities and the voluntary and community sector to support the most vulnerable and tackle homelessness. We are also continuing to invest in the Places of Change hostel improvement programme, ensuring that those coming off the streets get the support they need.

Local Enterprise Partnerships: Essex

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when he plans to make an announcement on the formation of local enterprise partnerships involving local authorities in Essex.

Bob Neill: We have today written to the leaders of Essex, Kent and East Sussex county councils inviting them to proceed with the establishment of their proposed Essex, Kent and East Sussex local enterprise partnership.
	Details of all the proposed local enterprise partnerships that have been given the go-ahead to proceed are set out in the White Paper "Local Growth" which was laid before Parliament on 28 October 2010.

Local Government

Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of the merits of proposals to establish joint chief executive posts for local authorities in  (a) adjacent boroughs,  (b) boroughs which propose to operate joint management teams and joint services and  (c) other boroughs.

Bob Neill: As outlined in the Secretary of State's speech of 13 October 2010, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House, the Government are strongly supportive of councils sharing services and chief executives to deliver savings that will help protect frontline services; permission from the Department is not required. The local government sector is evaluating the opportunities offered by such approaches, including through the Local Government Group's Place Based Productivity programme. The Improvement and Development Agency has published reports on this subject in 2008 and 2009, at:
	www.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=14198370
	The evidence so far from this work is that joint chief executives or management teams can lead to financial savings, greater opportunities for joint procurement, and the ability to share the experience and expertise of specialist staff and other services.

Local Government Boundary Review

David Nuttall: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will commission a local government boundary review by 2015.

Bob Neill: The Local Government Boundary Commission for England, an independent parliamentary body established in April 2010, is responsible for the review of local government boundaries. While the Secretary of State has no role in the review of electoral boundaries he may request that the Commission review administrative boundaries. There are no plans to make such a request.

Local Government Finance

David Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what funding each local authority received from  (a) national non-domestic rates,  (b) revenue support grant and  (c) ring-fenced specific grants in each of the last five financial years; and what estimate he has made of the equivalent figures for each local authority in 2011-12.

Bob Neill: I have today placed in the Library of the House a table that gives, by each local authority in England, funding received from  (a) redistributed non-domestic rates  (b) revenue support grant and  (c) ring-fenced specific grants for the financial years 2005-06 to 2008-09. Figures for the financial year 2009-10 are not yet available.
	Details on the provisional local government finance settlement for 2011-12 will be announced in early December.

Local Government Finance

David Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will reverse his decision to  (a) remove ring-fencing from grants to local authorities and  (b) reduce the level of support grant by 26 per cent. in the next four years.

Bob Neill: No. The coalition Government's spending review provides a fair though challenging settlement for local government. It reflects the clear priorities for the spending review as a whole: to bring down the massive budget deficit and drive economic growth, while protecting the interests of hard-working families and the most vulnerable in society.
	The review also provides significant new powers for local government. Councils have long argued that with more freedom and flexibility, they would be much better equipped to become more efficient and effective in delivering local public services. This settlement delivers that freedom and flexibility, as part of the new Government's decentralisation agenda.

Microgeneration

Alan Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps he is taking to discharge his obligations under section 3 (4) of the Green Energy (Definition and Promotion) Act 2009 on permitted development for microgeneration.

Bob Neill: The Government are committed to amending the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 to introduce permitted development rights for small-scale wind turbines and air source heat pumps on domestic properties, as part of our agenda to support renewable energy and low carbon technologies. There are a number of technical and practical issues that we are considering. We are aiming to resolve these, and to make key announcements and legislative changes as soon as possible.

Natural England: Planning Permission

Martin Vickers: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many planning applications Natural England has recommended for call-in since its establishment as a statutory consultee; and how many such applications have subsequently been called in.

Bob Neill: holding answer 28 October 2010
	 There is no comprehensive record held of the number of call- in requests made by Natural England or its predecessor, English Nature, since the statutory consultation duties were introduced in 1994. The limited data available identify four occasions when a planning application has been called in following a request from Natural England.

Outdoor Advertising

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will include in his draft national planning framework the subject of controls on outdoor advertising.

Bob Neill: It is proposed to include key policy on advertising control in the national planning framework.

Outdoor Advertising

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will bring forward proposals to increase the powers of local authorities to determine the controls to be imposed on outdoor advertising in their areas.

Bob Neill: The Government announced on 25 May 2010 that they would bring forward a Decentralisation and Localism Bill as part of the current parliamentary Session. A list of the main elements of the Bill was published, which included planning elements. We have since confirmed on 11 October 2010 that planning enforcement measures will form part of the Bill. Further announcements on the details of these measures will be made in due course.

Silica: Quarrying

Sam Gyimah: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what targets his Department has set for the extraction of silica sand; and when he next plans to review the adequacy of such targets.

Bob Neill: The Government have no central target for the extraction of silica sand. Minerals planning authorities are expected to make provision for silica sand extraction where the resource is found, taking into account relevant national planning policy including Minerals Policy Statement 1 and Mineral Planning Guidance 15. I also refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 20 July,  Official Report, columns 220-221W.

Sky Lanterns

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on how many occasions fire and rescue services have been alerted to incidents involving sky lanterns in each of the last three years.

Bob Neill: This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Social Rented Housing: Arrears

David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate he has made of the total amount of rent arrears owned by tenants of registered social landlords in each of the last five years.

Andrew Stunell: The total amount of rent arrears owed by tenants of registered social landlords in each of the last five years is as follows:
	
		
			  £ million 
			   2005  2006  2007  2008  2009 
			 Gross arrears 361 371 396 428 452 
			 Net arrears (after provision) 249 259 277 298 312

Social Rented Housing: Evictions

David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate he has made of the number of evictions by registered social landlords in each of the last five years.

Andrew Stunell: In the last five years the total number of evictions by registered social landlords from both general needs and supported housing is as follows:
	
		
			   Total number of evictions 
			 2006 12,145 
			 2007 11,384 
			 2008 11,354 
			 2009 11,320 
			 2010 9,905

Social Rented Housing: Rents

Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether his proposals to set rents for social housing at 80 per cent. of market rates will apply to tenancies created by mutual exchange.

Grant Shapps: Existing tenants of local authorities and housing associations will retain their current tenancy and rent arrangements.

Supporting People Programme

Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the  (a) highest and  (b) lowest per capita Supporting People grant allocations were in England in 2009-10.

Andrew Stunell: The Supporting People programme is not allocated on a per capita basis. Funding is allocated to top tier local authorities using the Supporting People Distribution Formula which takes account of population, level of deprivations, people at risk and other relevant needs data.

Supporting People Programme

Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for what reason the Supporting People redistribution formula has not been implemented.

Andrew Stunell: No decision regarding the use of the Supporting People Distribution Formula to allocate the Supporting People budget going forward has been taken. The Supporting People allocations will form part of the local government settlement due to be announced in December.

Supporting People Programme

Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what Supporting People grant allocations he proposes in the period of the comprehensive spending review.

Andrew Stunell: The spending review minimised reductions to the Supporting People programme, with £6.5 billion investment secured over the next four years. This represents reductions in Supporting People funding totalling 12% staged gradually over the four-year period. National budget figures for the spending review period are provided in the following table. Individual local authority allocations are not yet available and will form part of the local government settlement due to be announced in December.
	
		
			  Supporting People 
			   £ million 
			 2011-12 1,625.00 
			 2012-13 1,620.00 
			 2013-14 1,620.00 
			 2014-15 1,590.21

Supporting People Programme: Oxfordshire

Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps he plans to take to increase participation in Supporting People programmes for young carers in Oxford West and Abingdon constituency.

Andrew Stunell: The Supporting People programme provides housing-related support to a wide range of vulnerable clients to enable them to remain, or move towards, living independently. The design and provision of services is a matter for each local authority based on local needs and priorities.

Supporting People Programme: Wolverhampton

Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much his Department allocated to Wolverhampton city council under the Supporting People per capita grant allocation in 2009-10.

Andrew Stunell: The Supporting People programme is not allocated on a per capita basis. Funding is allocated to top tier local authorities using the Supporting People Distribution Formula which takes account of population, level of deprivation, people at risk and other relevant needs data. The Supporting People allocation for Wolverhampton city council in 2009-10 using the Distribution Formula was £7,997,826.

Temporary Accommodation: Homelessness

Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  from which local authorities he has received representations on the use of temporary accommodation for homeless households;
	(2)  whether he has any plans to review the homelessness duty placed on local authorities.

Grant Shapps: The Government are committed to ensuring that there is an adequate safety net for people who are homeless. It has been argued that giving local authorities greater flexibility in how they are permitted to discharge the main homelessness duty could help to address these concerns. The Government are giving these representations careful consideration.
	In addition we will be providing a further £12.25 million to local authorities and the voluntary sector to help those households that are affected by the proposed housing benefit reforms and to help improve access to the private rented sector for single homeless people.

Wind Power: Planning Permission

Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans he has to give local authorities the power to determine minimum distances between wind turbines and dwellings.

Bob Neill: Under current planning policy distances between wind turbines and dwellings are decided on a case by case basis so that local factors can be taken fully into account. Local planning authorities are already able to set out the criteria they apply in assessing applications for renewable energy development in their local plans provided this does not rule out or place constraints on development without sufficient reasoned justification.

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme

Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change 
	(1)  what discussions his Department has had with  (a) the Local Government Association and  (b) local authorities on the allocation of funds from the sale of Carbon Reduction Commitment allowances; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what assessment his Department has made of the effect on local authority services of the retention by central Government of revenue from sales of Carbon Reduction Commitment allowances;
	(3)  what consultation his Department has had on allocating revenue raised by the Carbon Reduction Commitment; and if he will make a statement.

Gregory Barker: The Government decided not to proceed with the recycling of CRC revenues proposed by the previous Administration in order to support the public finances and contribute to the spending plans set out in the spending review, which align the allocation of public resources with the Government's overall objectives as set out in the coalition agreement. The decision has the additional benefit of creating a clearer price signal in the scheme which participants have asked for.
	The clearer and stronger price signal provided by this change should reduce uncertainty and administrative costs while maintaining energy efficiency measures among participants and the commensurate savings in energy bills.
	Next month, the Government will begin a consultation with CRC participants on what further steps can be taken to simplify the scheme.

Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme

Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps his Department is taking to ensure that local areas benefit from the sale of Carbon Reduction Commitment allowances; and if he will make a statement.

Gregory Barker: Revenue from the sale of CRC allowances will be used to support the public finances and contribute to the spending plans set out in the spending review, which align the allocation of public resources with the Government's overall objectives as set out in the coalition agreement.

Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change 
	(1)  what his most recent estimate is of the gross revenue which will arise from the sale of allowances through the Carbon Reduction Commitment before the recycling of such moneys to scheme participants in each of the next five years;
	(2)  what plans he has for the future of the Carbon Reduction Commitment scheme.

Gregory Barker: Government have committed to keeping the operation of this scheme under active review with a particular eye to simplifying it and ensuring it properly incentivises those who do most to improve energy efficiency.
	In order to clarify the price signal to participants and to support the public finances, including spending on the environment, as part of the comprehensive spending review the Government announced that revenue from allowance sales will not be recycled back to participants. As part of the commitment to simplify the scheme and reduce the burden on businesses, we also announced that the first allowance sales for 2011-12 emissions will now take place in 2012 rather than 2011. A public dialogue and consultation with participants on how to further simplify the scheme will begin shortly. The UK Government and devolved Administrations will consider the results of that consultation process and, subject to the views expressed, make legislative proposals to amend the CRC ahead of the second phase.
	The spending review 2010 policy costings document:
	http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/spend_sr2010_policycostings.htm
	sets out the impact on Government expenditure of not recycling the revenue to participants. A positive figure indicates a saving compared to previous plans, corresponding to the revenue expected to be generated from allowance sales each year.
	
		
			  Annually Managed Expenditure (AME) 
			   £ million 
			 2011-12 +716 
			 2012-13 +731 
			 2013-14 +995 
			 2014-15 +1,020 
		
	
	The decision to delay the first sale of allowances will affect the timing of these receipts.
	These estimates are based on significant assumptions, particularly with respect to the quantity of emissions covered by the scheme and the uptake of energy efficiency measures within the sector. We will not know the CRC emissions coverage accurately until participants have submitted their emissions data in July 2011.

Carbon: Prices

Alan Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent discussions he has held with his EU counterparts on his plans to introduce a carbon floor price.

Gregory Barker: As part of Government duties, Ministers hold regular meetings with EU counterparts and other interested parties to discuss a range of issues. HM Treasury and HMRC will shortly publish proposals to reform the climate change levy to provide more certainty and support to the carbon price and encourage investment in low-carbon electricity generation. As part of this consultation, appropriate discussions will be held with EU counterparts, and other relevant parties.

Carbon: Prices

Alan Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether he has assessed the merits of introducing mechanisms to underwrite the price of carbon as part of his plans to introduce a carbon floor price.

Gregory Barker: Building on the coalition's commitment to introduce a floor price for carbon, the Chancellor, with the support of the Cabinet, announced in the June Budget that HM Treasury and HMRC would publish proposals in the autumn to reform the climate change levy to provide more certainty and support to the carbon price and encourage investment in low-carbon electricity generation. My officials have been supporting HMRC and HM Treasury in developing these proposals as well as ensuring that they are factored into considerations for wider reform of the electricity market. Full details on proposals to support the carbon price will be published as part of the HM Treasury and HMRC consultation along with an impact assessment.

Climate Change

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much funding he plans to allocate to international climate finance programmes in each year from 2010-11 to 2014-15.

Gregory Barker: The UK has committed to providing £1.5 billion in fast start finance over the period 2010-2012 for both mitigation and adaptation action. A total of £511 million has so far been approved for specific multilateral programmes (subject to demonstration of value for money and results). DECC's contribution to this figure is £250 million.
	The spending review provides a total of £2.9 billion of international climate finance-called the International Climate Fund (ICF)-over the spending review period. The fund will be managed collectively by the relevant Departments. From DECC's budget, we will contribute £1 billion of the total. Ministers will decide on allocations from the ICF, including the specific programmes on which the ICF will be spent, at a later stage.

Climate Change: International Cooperation

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what proposals he plans to table at the forthcoming UN Climate Change Conference in Cancun.

Gregory Barker: The Government are committed to working for an ambitious global deal to tackle climate change. At Cancun, we want to see substantive progress made on a politically balanced package of decisions that help re-establish momentum towards that goal.

Conferences

Matthew Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change which UK and international conferences staff of his Department have attended since October 2008; how many staff attended each conference; in what capacity such staff attended; and what the cost to the public purse under each category of expenditure was on each such occasion.

Gregory Barker: The information requested can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Redundancy

Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the number of redundancies arising from the spending reductions proposed in the comprehensive spending review in respect of  (a) his Department,  (b) its non-departmental public bodies and  (c) other public bodies which are dependent on his Department for funding.

Gregory Barker: DECC has not made an estimate of the numbers of redundancies that may be required following the comprehensive spending review.
	Reviews are currently under way to decide how the settlement will be implemented across the DECC family.

Departmental Redundancy

Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the costs to his Department of staff redundancy in each of the next four years.

Gregory Barker: DECC has not currently made an estimate of the cost of any redundancies that may be required in each of the next four years.
	Reviews are currently under way to decide how the spending review settlement will be implemented in DECC over the spending review period.

Energy Efficiency

Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment his Department has made of the performance of local authorities in rolling out local energy efficiency programmes; and if he will make a statement.

Gregory Barker: We expect and will encourage local authorities to develop stretching ambitions to tackle climate change.
	Local authorities are closely involved in the roll-out of three main national energy efficiency programmes: first, the Local Carbon Frameworks pilot programme which challenges local authorities to work with individuals and other stakeholders on carbon reduction in their areas. There are nine pilot areas involving 30 local authorities.
	Secondly, local authorities have a key role in delivering the Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP) which aims to drive energy efficiency improvements in low income areas. DECC is carrying out an evaluation of CESP which includes consideration of the role of local authorities in delivering the programme.
	Thirdly, the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) is an obligation placed on large energy suppliers to reduce carbon emissions from households. Most obligated CERT suppliers form partnerships with local authorities and others in helping to deliver their schemes.
	We are working with the Local Government Group on its offer to DECC, which includes support for the roll-out of future energy efficiency programmes, including the Green Deal and smart meters programmes.

Energy: Housing

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what funding he plans to allocate to the Green Deal programme in each year of the comprehensive spending review period.

Gregory Barker: Announcements about allocations to particular DECC programmes will be made in due course. Details of the Department's overall settlement are available on the DECC website:
	http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/csr_hmt_releas/csr_hmt_releas.aspx
	The most significant funding for Green Deal will come through private sector investment.

Energy: Tariffs

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will include in the Energy Security and Green Economy Bill proposals for minimum standards of energy tariffs requiring energy companies to provide a customer with 12 weeks notice of  (a) a change in tariff and  (b) the end of a discount tariff; and if he will make a statement.

Gregory Barker: The Bill will include measures to improve energy efficiency and energy security, measures to enable low carbon generation and measures to clarify liabilities and responsibilities. We have no plans to include the very specific measures the hon. Member asks about.
	Ofgem already requires energy suppliers to give customers 30 working days' notice of when a contract is due to end, together with details of the deemed contract they will be moved to if they do not enter into a new contract or switch supplier.
	Ofgem has also recently consulted on requiring suppliers to give advance notice of price increases or other adverse changes to energy contracts and should be announcing the way forward shortly.
	In addition, Ofgem has recently introduced new over- arching standards to prevent the selling of products that are inappropriate to a customer's needs or products that are unnecessarily complex or confusing.

Energy: Western Isles

Angus MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the proposed 450MW HVDC interconnector linking Na h-Eileanan an Iar constituency to the national grid will be operational by the end of this year.

Charles Hendry: holding answer 27 October 2010
	Decisions on the financing of the transmission link and allocation of associated risks are for the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority in line with their statutory duties. SHETL have been in discussion with Ofgem about securing sufficient developer commitment to enable the link to go ahead and will be making an announcement on the link in the near future.
	High transmission charges have been cited as a possible barrier to developers of renewable generation on the Western Isles making the necessary connection commitments to finance the transmission link. That is why I have committed to look again at the case for a transmission charge adjustment scheme under section 185 of the Energy Act 2004 for the Scottish Islands alongside Ofgem's wider review of transmission charges with their Project TransmiT.

EU Emissions Trading Scheme: Carbon

Alan Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the price of carbon under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme in each of the next five years.

Gregory Barker: The following prices were published in June 2010, with estimates of the short-term traded price of carbon to be used for Government policy appraisals available at:
	http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/what%20we%20do/a%20low%20carbon%20uk/carbon%20valuation/1_20100610131858_e_@@_carbonvalues.pdf
	
		
			   Traded 
			  £2009/tCO 2  Low  Central  High 
			 2010 7.3 14.1 17.8 
			 2011 7.4 14.3 18.1 
			 2012 7.5 14.5 18.3 
			 2013 7.6 14.7 18.6 
			 2014 7.7 14.9 18.9 
			 2015 7.9 15.1 19.2 
		
	
	These prices should not be seen as forecasts; rather they are estimates of the price given the current targets in the EU emissions trading scheme. Moving to a tighter target would result in higher prices.

EU Emissions Trading Scheme: Carbon

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what his policy is on the emissions cap in Phase III of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.

Gregory Barker: The EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) was significantly revised as part of the EU Climate and Energy Package agreed by EU member states in 2008. The changes will take place from Phase III, which will run from 2013 to 2020, with a more ambitious, EU-wide cap on emissions. This will bring with it more emission reductions, more predictable market conditions and improved certainty for industry.
	The Government support an EU move to a 30% emissions reduction target, and a significant part of this reduction should come from sectors covered by the EU ETS. An EU move to 30% would therefore mean a lower cap level, in turn delivering a higher carbon price which will stimulate investment in low carbon jobs and technologies, and help to put the EU and UK on track to meet 2050 emissions reduction targets.

Fuel Poverty

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 16 September 2010,  Official Report, column 1006, on fuel poverty, whether he plans to extend the energy rebate scheme to all low-income vulnerable households.

Gregory Barker: Energy suppliers will be required from April 2011 to provide greater help with the financial costs of energy bills to more of the most vulnerable fuel poor households, through Social Price Support-with total support of £250 million in 2011-12 rising to £310 million in 2014-15.
	We anticipate that data-matching methods, similar to those which were used successfully in the Energy Rebate Scheme, will be used to target the assistance available through Social Price Support towards more of the most vulnerable households.
	We intend to consult on the detailed policy design, including eligibility and targeting methods, later this year.

Offshore Industry

Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change when he expects to complete the further assessments on the offshore oil and gas leasing of blocks in  (a) Cardigan Bay and  (b) the Moray Firth.

Charles Hendry: An environmental assessment of the potential impact of oil and gas licensing in Cardigan Bay was carried out in 2007. The assessment concluded that oil and gas licensing should not proceed at that time. The applications for a petroleum licence received during the 24(th) licensing round for three blocks in Cardigan Bay have been withdrawn. No applications were received during the 25(th) and 26(th) licensing rounds for blocks in Cardigan Bay. There are no further assessments planned at this time.
	With regard to the inner Moray Firth, a revised environmental assessment in relation to an application for a petroleum licence for block 17/3 was issued for public consultation from 15 July to 12 October 2010. Officials are carefully considering the comments received during the public consultation and therefore I am not yet in a position to reach a decision concerning licensing of this block.

Renewable Energy

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the proportion of the 15% of UK energy consumption to be achieved from renewable sources which will be attributable to wind power.

Charles Hendry: The UK's National Renewable Energy Action Plan, published in July 2010, estimated that onshore wind would contribute 34 TWh and offshore wind would contribute 44 TWh in 2020 towards a projected overall target of 238 TWh. Wind is therefore expected to contribute around a third of the target of 15% of final energy consumption.
	There are no targets for individual technologies, and the actual mix of technologies that makes up the UK's achievement of the 2020 target will depend on how different technologies respond to the financial incentives put in place, and how constraints such as planning, grid, and supply chain ease over time. It should also be noted that the overall target is defined as a proportion of energy demand, which is uncertain, and thus the exact level of renewable energy required in 2020 is uncertain too.

Warm Front Scheme

Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment his Department has made of the expected effect of ending the Warm Front scheme on levels of fuel poverty in the next 10 years; and if he will make a statement.

Gregory Barker: Warm Front continues to provide a range of heating and insulation measures for vulnerable households. The new Energy Company Obligation, starting in late 2012, will run in parallel with the Green Deal programme. It is intended to focus particularly on households who cannot achieve financial savings without additional support, including the poorest and most vulnerable and those in hard to treat homes. We expect energy companies to play a greater role than they do through the current obligations in ensuring the poorest and most vulnerable can afford to heat their homes adequately. This includes offering a wider range of measures which improve energy performance, such as heating systems.
	Between 2007 and 2008 up to an estimated 80,000 households were prevented from falling into fuel poverty and this can be attributed to energy efficiency improvements. We will continue to monitor the impact of such measures on the fuel poor.

Warm Front Scheme

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether owners of privately-rented accommodation are required to repay funds provided under the Warm Front scheme in circumstances in which the occupiers who were entitled to the assistance move out of that accommodation; and if he will make a statement.

Gregory Barker: The primary aim of the Warm Front scheme is to improve the thermal efficiency of private sector homes where the occupants are vulnerable to fuel poverty. The scheme is designed in such a way that while the applicant must meet specific qualifying criteria to qualify for a grant, the grant itself is then associated to the property in which they reside.
	To encourage uptake of the grant and thereby assist as many qualifying households as possible, the owners of privately rented accommodation are not required to repay funds provided under the grant should a tenant who applied for the grant move out of the property.

Wind Power

James Wharton: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the cost to the National Grid of paying wind farm operators to turn off their turbines during periods of excess generation.

Charles Hendry: National Grid has never needed to curtail wind output because supply on a national scale exceeded demand. National Grid has made payments to wind farm operators to curtail output on two occasions. The first was a test to ensure the technical capability was present and the second was due to constraints on the transmission network. The total cost incurred was approximately £53,000.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Arts Council of England: Information Officers

Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many press officers Arts Council England employed in each year from 1996-97 to 2004-05; and at what cost.

Edward Vaizey: The Department does not collate this information centrally.
	Accordingly, I have asked the chief executive of Arts Council England to write to the hon. Member for Burton.
	Copies of the reply will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Arts: Finance

Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the number of arts organisations and projects likely to close as a result of reductions to the Arts Council budget announced as part of the comprehensive spending review.

Edward Vaizey: holding answer 28 October 2010
	The number and identity of organisations that receive funding, along with the level of that funding, is a matter for Arts Council England. As part of the spending review we have protected front-line funding for the arts, limiting the reduction to the overall budget for arts organisations to 14.9% over four years.
	In 2009-10 the typical regularly funded arts organisation received 33% of its income from the Arts Council. Therefore the actual reduction in income seen by the typical arts organisation from the reductions in the Arts Council's budget will be less than 5% over four years. There will, of course, be variation between organisations.
	This does not take into account changes to other sources of income not controlled centrally.

Departmental Expenditure Limits

David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much and what proportion of his Department's capital departmental expenditure limit will be allocated to  (a) London and  (b) the north-west in each year of the comprehensive spending review period.

Hugh Robertson: The amount and proportion of capital departmental expenditure limit (CDEL) allocated to projects and arm's length bodies (ALBs) located in London and the north-west of England over the four financial years of the spending review period is set out in tables 1, 2 and 3.
	A proportion of the Department's CDEL is allocated to England or UK-wide grant schemes administered by our ALBs and to ALBs for the maintenance of multiple sites, including sites in London and/or the north-west. This is set out in tables 4 and 5. We are unable to estimate the proportion of the CDEL in tables 4 and 5 which will be allocated to London and the north-west because this will be for our ALBs to determine over the course of the spending review period. In the case of some grant schemes, our ALBs will allocate CDEL on the basis of successful applications.
	
		
			  Table 1: Major projects in London 
			   2011-12  2012-13  2013-14  2014-15 
			 Transform Tate Modern - 0.9 1.3 - 
			 Cutty Sark 3 - - - 
			 British Museum-North West Development 8.9 - - - 
			 Total 11.9 0.9 1.3 0 
			  
			 Proportion of DCMS CDEL 7.70% 0.50% 1.20% 0.00% 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2: Core capital for ALBs in London 
			   2011-12  2012-13  2013-14  2014-15 
			 British Museum 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.7 
			 Natural History Museum 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 
			 National Gallery 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.8 
			 National Maritime Museum 1.6 1.6 1.7 1.8 
			 National Portrait Gallery 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 
			 Victoria and Albert Museum 1.7 1.8 1.9 2 
			 Wallace Collection 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 
			 Sir John Soane's Museum 0 0 0 0 
			 Horniman Museum 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 
			 Geffrye Museum 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
			 Government Art Collection 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
			 Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
			 UK Sport 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 
			 The Royal Parks Agency 0.8 0.8 0.9 0.9 
			 DCMS central expenditure 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 
			 Total 15.1 15.4 15.8 116.1 
			  
			 Proportion of DCMS CDEL 9.80% 8.90% 14.60% 14.60% 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 3: Core capital for ALBs in the north-west 
			   2011-12  2012-13  2013-14  2014-15 
			 National Museums Liverpool 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.5 
			 Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 
			 Total 1.6 1.6 1.7 1.8 
			  
			 Proportion of DCMS CDEL 1.00% 0.90% 1.60% 1.60% 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 4: Core capital for ALBs with multiple sites (including in London and/or the north-west) 
			   2011-12  2012-13  2013-14  2014-15 
			 Tate Galleries 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 
			 English Heritage 2.1 2.2 2.3 4.9 
			 Arts Council England 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 
			 Sport England 1.6 1.6 1.7 1.8 
			 Royal Armouries 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 
			 Imperial War Museum 1.9 2 2.1 2.2 
			 National Museum of Science and Industry 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 
			 British Library 2.9 3 3.2 3.3 
			 MLA 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
			 Visit Britain 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 
			 BFI 0.9 1 1 1 
			 Total 15.8 16.3 16.9 20 
			  
			 Proportion of DCMS CDEL 10.20% 9.40% 15.60% 18.20% 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 5: UK/England-wide grants 
			   2011-12  2012-13  2013-14 1.5  2014-15 1.5 
			 Wolfson Foundation 0.5 2   
			 Arts Council England 11.7 11.5 11.4 11.2 
			 Listed Places of Worship 1.3 1.3 1.4 1.4 
			 English Heritage 9.1 8.3 7.6 6.9 
			 National Heritage Memorial Fund 0 5 10 5 
			 Sport England 24 24 24 24 
			 Broadband funding 45 84 15 15 
			 Total 91.6 136.1 70.7 65 
			  
			 Proportion of DCMS CDEL 59.50% 78.20% 65.50% 59.10%

Horserace Totalisator Board

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport when he expects to invite bids for the purchase of the Tote; and if he will make a statement.

John Penrose: The Government are now preparing to launch an open market process in which they will invite proposals from interested parties. This process will be open to all organisations who have an interest in the Tote, and the Government expect to be in a position to update the House early in the new year.

Libraries: Domestic Visits

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many libraries he has visited on official business since his appointment.

Edward Vaizey: The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport has not made any official library visits since his appointment. However, as the Minister with responsibility for this policy area, I have made official visits to the British Library, Birmingham Central Library, Didcot Library and opened the Thame Library since my appointment.

London Olympics 2012: Bus Services

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on the operation of the M4 bus lane during the London 2012 Olympics.

Hugh Robertson: The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport has discussed the Olympics with the Secretary of State for Transport. Their discussions have not specifically included plans for the operation of the M4 bus lane, the details of which will be finalised in due course.

National Lottery Distribution Fund

Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much funding has been made available to the National Lottery Distribution Fund in each year since 2005-06.

John Penrose: holding answer 28 October 2010
	This information is already published in the annual National Lottery Distribution Fund (NLDF) accounts. Copies can be found in the House of Commons Library and online at:
	www.official-documents.gov.uk
	http://www.official-documents.gov.uk

National Lottery: Armed Forces

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether members of the UK armed forces posted overseas but still resident in the UK for tax purposes are eligible to play the national lottery.

John Penrose: holding answer 26 October 2010
	The National Lottery Commission has advised that in order to be eligible to play the national lottery, players must be resident at a United Kingdom or Isle of Man address, irrespective of their tax status. Residency in this instance is determined by checks carried out by Camelot, the national lottery operator and, in practice, this means members of the armed forces can open an online interactive account and purchase games on the national lottery website, as long as they are in a country where it is legal to do so, and/or set up a direct debit account.
	However, the National Lottery Commission understands that in the majority of overseas jurisdictions, local laws forbid the purchase of other foreign lotteries, including the UK national lottery. If tickets are purchased from a country where it illegal to do so, the tickets are invalid and Camelot is not able to pay any associated prizes.
	The NLC have therefore required Camelot to amend the rules for national lottery games so that players will only be able to set up or amend their direct debit, or purchase games online when they are physically located in the UK and the Isle of Man. These new rules will apply from 18 December 2010. I welcome the NLC's intention to prevent people buying invalid tickets and inadvertently putting themselves at risk of prosecution in foreign jurisdictions.
	I shall be writing to the NLC to thank them for their action so far, but I shall also ask them to consider what can be done in countries where the purchase of UK lottery tickets is lawful to allow armed forces personnel (and others) to participate.

Olympic Games 2012: Tickets

David Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport for what sessions at the London 2012 Olympics the "pay your age" ticketing scheme will be available; and in respect of how many such sessions that scheme will be available.

Hugh Robertson: The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) is responsible for ticketing for London 2012. LOCOG announced pricing for Olympic tickets earlier this month, including a "Pay your Age" scheme which will make around 1.3 million tickets available to those 16 and under to pay their age (and to those 60 or over to pay £16). Full details of the specific sessions in each sport will be announced next year, but these special prices will be available across all 26 Olympic sports, and in 220 sessions-almost a third of all sessions. These will be mainly in the morning and day-time, which are most accessible for young people.
	The published list of ticket prices and sessions is available on LOCOG's website at:
	http://www.tickets.london2012.com/olyticketprice1.html
	LOCOG will announce Paralympic ticket pricing separately, next year.

S4C: Finance

Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what proportion of the funding allocation to S4C under the proposed new funding arrangements he expects to be made available for the commissioning of programmes by the independent production sector in Wales.

Edward Vaizey: All of the content budget will be spent on independent production, as it is now.

S4C: Finance

Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps he plans to take to ensure that S4C retains full editorial and programming independence following the implementation of new funding arrangements.

Edward Vaizey: The details of the partnership between S4C and the BBC Trust have still to be developed but the Secretary of State has made it clear in his spending review allocation letter to S4C of 20 October and his funding settlement to the BBC Trust of 21 October that S4C will retain its editorial independence.

S4C: Finance

Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether the funds made available to S4C under his Department's proposed new arrangements will be ring-fenced in the BBC budget.

Edward Vaizey: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport's letter of 21 October 2010 to the chairman of the BBC Trust about the next television licence fee settlement set out the level of funding the BBC must provide to S4C.
	From 2013-14, the cost of funding S4C will be met from a combination of continued Exchequer funding, advertising revenue and the television licence fee.
	The funding figures are as follows.
	
		
			  £ million 
			   Total funding  From DCMS  From BBC 
			 2011-12 90 90 0 
			 2012-13 83 83 0 
			 2013-14 83 6.7 76.3 
			 2014-15 83 7 76 
		
	
	This means that S4C funding is secure for the next four years and will enable the channel to structure itself for the modern broadcasting environment.
	This letter can be found using the link:
	http://www.culture.gov.uk/images/publications/Jones_S4C.pdf

S4C: Finance

Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport if he will guarantee the funding allocation to S4C under the new arrangements in the spending review period after 2015.

Edward Vaizey: The Spending Review provides S4C with the certainty of a four-year funding settlement. No decisions have been made about S4C's funding arrangements after 2014-15.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Access to Work Programme

David Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has for the funding of his Department's Access to Work scheme in the period to 2014-15; and what criteria he plans to use to determine eligibility of support from the Access to Work scheme in the same period.

Chris Grayling: The Department has now received its budget settlement following the spending review. We are now in the process of setting programme budgets.
	Government will continue to review welfare to work programmes to ensure the support they provide remains appropriate, effective and value for money. We are committed to ensuring disabled people are given the right support they need to get a job and remain in employment.
	There are no plans at present to change the eligibility criteria for the Access to Work programme.

Cancer: Asbestos

Nick Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether compensation is available to the next of kin of those diagnosed with asbestos-induced lung cancer in circumstances in which that cancer cannot be confirmed as the sole cause of death.

Chris Grayling: We provide no-fault compensation via the industrial injuries disablement benefit (IIDB) scheme to employed earners for disablement arising from an industrial accident, or from one of the diseases prescribed in regulations. The list of prescribed diseases includes primary carcinoma of the lung where there has been exposure to asbestos in certain defined activities.
	Additionally, the Pneumoconiosis etc (Workers Compensation) Act 1979 (the 1979 Act) provides a lump sum payment where a person is unable to pursue an employer for civil compensation for certain dust- related diseases. One of the diseases is primary carcinoma of the lung when accompanied by asbestosis or diffuse pleural thickening.
	Where the sufferer has died, a claim for IIDB can be made on the deceased's behalf. Under the 1979 Act, a claim can be made only by a dependent, or on behalf of a dependent. For both IIDB and the 1979 Act schemes, a claim must be made within 12 months of the death of the sufferer. Benefit is payable provided that the deceased would have satisfied the conditions of entitlement during their life. The fact that primary carcinoma of the lung was not the only cause of death would not affect payment.

Carers: Finance

Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the likely effects on his Department's provision of support for carers of his Department's settlement in the 2010 spending review; and if he will make a statement.

Maria Miller: The spending review sets out measures to secure a sustainable foundation for the future of the welfare system, delivering fairness, better work incentives and value for the taxpayer. There are no specific measures in relation to carers.
	The Government recognise that the United Kingdom's 6 million carers play an indispensable role in looking after family members or friends who need support.
	We have set out our commitment to simplify the benefit system in order to improve work incentives and encourage responsibility and fairness. We are giving careful consideration to the needs of carers as we develop our detailed proposals for fundamental welfare reform, including any changes that may be necessary to take account of the introduction of universal credit.

Child Maintenance

Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much maintenance the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission has collected through the statutory scheme since 1 April 2010.

Maria Miller: The Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission is responsible for the child maintenance system. I have asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner to write to the hon. Member with the information requested and I have seen the response.
	 Letter from Stephen Geraghty:
	In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission, the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the Child Maintenance Commissioner.
	.
	The amount of child maintenance collected through the statutory maintenance service is routinely published in the Child Support Agency Quarterly Summary of Statistics which is available in the House of Commons library or online at:
	http://www.childmaintenance.org/en/publications/stats0610.html
	The total amount of maintenance collected and arranged through the statutory scheme was £283.5m in the quarter to June 2010 and £1,143.4m in the 12 months to June 2010. This includes both maintenance collected through the Child Support Agency collection service and maintenance the Child Support Agency arranged to be paid directly to parents with care by non-resident parents.

Council Tax Benefits

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much on average was paid in council tax benefit in each local authority in each of the last three years.

Steve Webb: Council tax benefit expenditure shown by local authority can be found at the following URL:
	http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/la_expenditure.xls
	The tables contained in this publication contain expenditure data for all local authorities from 2002-03 to 2009-10.

Council Tax Benefits

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he made of the average council tax benefit payment to  (a) pensioner households,  (b) working households,  (c) households receiving jobseeker's allowances,  (d) households receiving income support and  (e) households receiving invalidity benefit or education support allowance in each of the last three years.

Steve Webb: The information requested on the average weekly council tax benefit paid to all households receiving incapacity benefit or employment support allowance is not available.
	Information is collected on the average weekly council tax benefit payment for those also in receipt of a passported benefit, and the available information on the number who are also receiving income-based jobseeker's allowance (JSA(IB)), income support (IS) and employment and support allowance (income-based), in Great Britain, are shown in the table.
	However to provide the total number of JSA, incapacity benefit (IB), and employment and support allowance (ESA) claimants receiving council tax benefit would require a significant exercise to merge the relevant data and would incur a disproportionate cost.
	The available information is shown in the table:
	
		
			  Council tax benefit recipients average weekly award by passported benefit and age, November 2008 to July 2010 
			 Passported b enefit   N on-passported (standard c laims) 
			   All CTB recipients  All passported  Income support  Jobseeker's allowance (income - based)  Employment  and support allowance (income- based)  All aged 65 or over  All non-passported  Of which  in employment 
			  2008 
			 November 15.11 16.08 15.91 15.66 15.65 15.28 12.87 11.03 
			 December 15.10 16.08 15.92 15.72 15.86 15.27 12.84 10.94 
			  
			  2009 
			 January 15.10 16.09 15.92 15.77 15.97 15.27 12.84 10.93 
			 February 15.11 16.11 15.93 15.85 16.10 15.27 12.84 10.92 
			 March 15.26 16.24 16.05 16.04 16.33 15.40 13.04 11.31 
			 April 15.63 16.57 16.36 16.38 16.64 15.71 13.51 12.28 
			 May 15.62 16.58 16.37 16.40 16.67 15.70 13.46 12.11 
			 June 15.60 16.59 16.37 16.41 16.67 15.70 13.41 11.95 
			 July 15.60 16.59 16.38 16.41 16.67 15.70 13.37 11.82 
			 August 15.59 16.60 16.40 16.39 16.64 15.70 13.29 11.76 
			 September 15.58 16.59 16.39 16.36 16.59 15.69 13.27 11.72 
			 October 15.59 16.60 16.40 16.35 16.59 15.69 13.30 11.88 
			 November 15.77 16.61 16.41 16.35 16.61 15.75 13.85 13.61 
			 December 15.76 16.61 16.41 16.34 16.62 15.76 13.79 13.43 
			  
			  2010 
			 January 15.74 16.61 16.41 16.34 16.63 15.75 13.76 13.38 
			 February 15.74 16.61 16.41 16.33 16.64 15.75 13.74 13.28 
			 March 15.83 16.71 16.50 16.41 16.73 15.85 13.86 13.48 
			 April 16.02 16.89 16.67 16.58 16.92 16.05 14.07 13.74 
			 May 16.00 16.89 16.67 16.55 16.91 16.04 14.01 13.58 
			 June 15.97 16.88 16.66 16.53 16.91 16.04 13.95 13.44 
			 July 15.94 16.88 16.66 16.50 16.90 16.04 13.91 13.33 
			  Notes:  1. Age groups are based on the age on the count date (second Thursday in the month), of either: (a) the recipient if they are single, or (b) the elder of the recipient or partner if claiming as a couple.  2. Recipients are as at second Thursday of the month.  3. Average awards are shown as pounds per week and rounded to the nearest penny.  4. Passported status does not include recipients with unknown passported status.  5. Passported benefit as recorded on systems within the LA.  6. Average weekly amounts do not include second adult rebate cases.  7. SHBE is a monthly electronic scan of claimant level data direct from local authority computer systems. It replaces quarterly aggregate clerical returns. The data are available monthly from November 2008 and July 2010 is the latest available.  8. People claiming council tax benefit not in receipt of a passported benefit are recorded as being in employment, if their local authority has recorded employment income from either the main claimant, or partner of claimant (if applicable), in calculating the housing benefit award.  9. Data are published at http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/hb_ctb/hbctb_release_oct10.xls   Source:  Single Housing Benefit Extract (SHBE).

Council Tax Benefits: Scotland

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the effect on the revenue available to each Scottish local authority of the implementation of his decision to devolve direct control of council tax benefit in each year of the comprehensive spending review period.

Steve Webb: The Government are working to develop the new arrangements including the detailed administrative implications for local authorities which have yet to be determined.

Council Tax Benefits: Scotland

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much has been paid in council tax benefit in each Scottish local authority area in each year from 1997.

Steve Webb: Tables of council tax benefit expenditure by local authority from 1996-97 to 2008-09 have been placed in the House Library.
	2009-10 council tax benefit expenditure figures for Scottish local authorities are shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Council tax benefit Scottish local authorities 
			  2009-10  £ million 
			 Aberdeen City 11.5 
			 Aberdeenshire 8.8 
			 Angus 6.0 
			 Argyll and Bute 6.1 
			 Clackmannanshire 3.7 
			 Dumfries and Galloway 9.3 
			 Dundee City 13.8 
			 East Ayrshire 10.3 
			 East Dunbartonshire 5.2 
			 East Lothian 5.7 
			 East Renfrewshire 4.1 
			 Edinburgh, City of 30.9 
			 Eilean Siar 1.9 
			 Falkirk 9.0 
			 Fife 22.8 
			 Glasgow City 74.6 
			 Highland 13.6 
			 Inverclyde 7.4 
			 Midlothian 5.4 
			 Moray 4.2 
			 North Ayrshire 12.1 
			 North Lanarkshire 27.0 
			 Orkney Islands 0.8 
			 Perth and Kinross 7.0 
			 Renfrewshire 14.1 
			 Scottish Borders 6.0 
			 Shetland Islands 0.8 
			 South Ayrshire 9.0 
			 South Lanarkshire 22.8 
			 Stirling 4.9 
			 West Dunbartonshire 10.4 
			 West Lothian 10.5 
			  Source: Local authority subsidy returns 
		
	
	Council tax benefit expenditure shown by local authority can also be found at the following URL:
	http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/h_tables_budget2010.xls
	The tables contained in this publication contain expenditure data for all local authorities from 1996-97 to 2009-10.

Council Tax Benefits: Scotland

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what discussions he had with Scottish local authorities prior to his decision to devolve direct control of council tax benefit to local authorities.

Steve Webb: Local authorities throughout the United Kingdom were consulted extensively about the proposal to rename council tax benefit as council tax rebate. The Government believe it is possible to go further and give local authorities a greater say in how a rebate scheme should operate. Local authorities will be given the opportunity to contribute their views when we consult on the proposal.

Departmental Secondment

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many staff his Department has appointed on secondment since 7 May 2010; and from what organisation each such member of staff has been seconded.

Chris Grayling: Information about how many staff in the Department have been appointed on secondment since 7 May 2010, and from what organisation each such member of staff has been seconded is not held centrally. As a consequence this information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Disability Living Allowance

Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome have had their initial application for disability living allowance turned down in the last three years for which figures are available.

Maria Miller: Entitlement to DLA is dependent on an assessment of how much help someone needs with personal care/supervision and/or mobility because of their disability and is not based on a particular diagnosis or condition. We are unable to say how many people diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome have had their initial application for disability living allowance (DLA) turned down in the last three years. Although this level of detail is held on the person's records we estimate that there would be a disproportionate cost to the Department in having to extract this information.

Financial Inclusion

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of people who have been given financial support through  (a) credit unions and  (b) other community finance organisations that have been supported by funding from the Financial Inclusion Fund in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Steve Webb: The Department for Work and Pensions Growth Fund invests in the capacity of credit unions and other community finance organisations to offer access to savings, banking, insurance, budgeting and affordable credit services.
	Since 2006 credit unions have made over 262,056 loans to financially excluded people, with an additional 43,308 loans made through other community finance organisations.
	Over 275,000 customers who took out a Growth Fund loan also opened a bank or savings account.

Housing Benefit

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 27 July 2010,  Official Report, column 1137W, when he plans to report the results of his Department's review of the way housing benefit for supported accommodation is assessed.

Steve Webb: As part of our review of the housing benefit rules for certain types of supported accommodation, we are currently working up options for change to provide a more transparent, consistent and fairer system of expenditure control.
	We have already been helped by a number of local authorities who assisted in a survey that we ran last year. Research has also been under way to provide the necessary evidence base for considering change; the research report is due to be published later in the autumn. Our stakeholder working group has also helped in formulating broad options for change.
	Although we do not have plans to report the results of this review, we will consult more widely on any proposed changes.

Housing Benefit

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the effect on provision of  (a) homeless hostels,  (b) women's refuges and  (c) other homeless services of (i) his proposed changes to housing benefit and (ii) his proposed cap on benefit payments.

Steve Webb: The proposed changes affect those in the private rented sector whose housing benefit is based on the local housing allowance. Those who live in hostels and in supported accommodation within the social and voluntary sector do not routinely have their housing benefit based on the local housing allowance and are therefore unlikely to be affected by these changes.
	We will work closely with other Government Departments, the devolved Administrations, local authorities and external organisations to monitor the impact of the changes and to inform policy development over time.

Housing Benefit

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of social housing tenants in each local authority who are likely to be subject to housing benefit deductions as a result of having one or more bedrooms above their household need.

Steve Webb: The information is not available.
	The detailed policy design of this change is still being developed. Impact assessments, including the number of households affected, will be published to accompany the relevant legislation when introduced in Parliament.

Public Expenditure

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the likely effect on his Department's expenditure on benefit payments of the change in the number of jobs in the public sector in the comprehensive spending review period.

Chris Grayling: The Department's benefit expenditure forecasts published following the June Budget are based on the economic assumptions made in the Office for Budget Responsibility's June Budget forecast, as set out in table C5 of the June Budget document. Those economic assumptions reflect the decisions on overall public spending made at the June Budget.
	An update to those forecasts will be published following the Office for Budget Responsibility's publication of its autumn forecasts on 29 November.

Shared Housing

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent estimate he has made of the level of availability of shared room accommodation in each broad market retail area; and if he will make a statement.

Steve Webb: Information on the number of dwellings available in shared accommodation in the private rented sector is not available. From next year, the local housing allowance rates will be set at the 30th percentile of rents in each broad rental market area, ensuring that 30 % of properties, for each property size, would be affordable under the local housing allowance arrangements.

Social Rented Housing

Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether the proposed rents for social housing of 80% of market level will attract housing benefit in full.

Steve Webb: holding answer 28 October 2010
	The amount of a social housing tenant's rent that is eligible for help is usually based on their contractual rent. Social housing tenants do not come under local housing allowance arrangements.

Social Security Benefits: Disability

John Stevenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many families in Carlisle constituency are in receipt of  (a) incapacity benefit,  (b) attendance allowance and  (c) disability living allowance.

Chris Grayling: The information is provided in the following table:
	
		
			  Claimants of attendance allowance, disability living allowance, and incapacity benefit, severe disablement allowance, Carlisle parliamentary constituency, February 2010 
			   Number 
			 Incapacity benefit/severe disablement allowance 3,560 
			 Disability living allowance (in payment) 5,080 
			 Attendance allowance (in payment) 2,870 
			  Notes:  1. Caseload figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Some additional disclosure control has also been applied.  2. Caseload show the number of people in receipt of DLA, AA and exclude people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if they are in hospital.  3. A claimant can be in receipt of more than one of these benefits and will therefore be counted for each benefit they receive.  4. Incapacity benefit was replaced by employment and support allowance (ESA) from October 2008.  5. Figures do not include ESA.  6. Constituencies used are for the Westminster Parliament of May 2010.  7. A claimant can receive more than one of the above benefits and will therefore be counted for each of the benefits they receive.   Source:  DWP Information Directorate: Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study.

Social Security Benefits: Fraud

Frank Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people convicted of benefit fraud had two or more previous such convictions in each year since 2005.

Chris Grayling: Information on the number of people convicted of benefit fraud with two or more previous such convictions in 2005-06 and 2006-07 is provided in the following table.
	
		
			  People convicted of benefit fraud with two or more previous such convictions in the UK 
			   Number 
			 2005-06 4 
			 2006-07 5 
		
	
	Data are incomplete from 2007-08 onwards due to the roll-out of Fraud Referral and Intervention Management System (FRAIMS). Options for reintroducing collation of these data are kept under review subject to cost-effectiveness.

Social Security Benefits: Mental Illness

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many appeals against mental health benefit assessments were upheld in  (a) England and  (b) Gloucestershire in the most recent 12- month period for which figures are available.

Chris Grayling: For appeals relating to the fit for work decision at the initial work capability assessment for employment and support allowance claims where the primary condition recorded at the start of the claim related to a mental and behavioural disorder, the numbers appealing and numbers where the appellant was successful are as follows:
	
		
			   Total appeals heard  Appellant successful 
			 England 22,390 9,490 
			 Gloucestershire 250 120 
		
	
	Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10 and are based on appeals heard from August 2009 to July 2010, the latest data available.

State Retirement Pensions: British Nationals Abroad

Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent estimate he has made of the average annual difference between the state pension paid to ex-UK residents now resident in other EU member states and the  (a) basic and  (b) means-tested pension.

Steve Webb: Please find the information provided in the following table:
	
		
			  £ 
			   Weekly amount  Difference 
			 Average amount of Category A state pension paid to UK state pension recipients now resident in other EU member states 65.00 - 
			 Full rate of basic state pension, 2009-10 95.25 30.25 
			 Full rate of guarantee credit (single persons rate), 2009-10 130.00 65.00 
			  Notes:  1. The average amount given in the first row of the table is the sum of basic state pension and additional pension paid to UK state pension recipients now resident in other EU member states, based on their Category A entitlement.  2. The average amount figure is rounded to the nearest £1.00.   Source:  Average amount: DWP calculations; Administrative records, September 2009.

State Retirement Pensions: Uprating

Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what information his Department holds for benchmarking purposes on mandatory increases in contributions to state pensions in other EU member states.

Steve Webb: The DWP does not hold information for benchmarking purposes on mandatory increases in contributions to state pensions in other EU member states.
	EU member states have very different state pension systems which are financed in different ways. Analysis by the OECD in "Pensions at a Glance: 2007" suggests that "pension contribution rates have remained broadly stable since the mid-1990s", reflecting "governments' concerns over the effect on employment of high labour taxes". Projections made by the EU Commission in its "Ageing Report 2009" suggest that revenue from pension contributions should remain stable as a percentage of GDP between 2007 and 2060.

Winter Fuel Payments

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people aged  (a) 60 to 64,  (b) 65 to 69,  (c) 70 to 79 and  (d) 80 years or over were in receipt of winter fuel allowance in (i) England and (ii) Easington constituency in each year since 2005.

Steve Webb: The information is in the following tables:
	
		
			  Winter fuel payment recipients-Great Britain and abroad: Time Series by age 
			  Area/age  2009-10  2008-09  2007-08  2006-07  2005-06 
			 England 10,810,140 10,592,900 10,345,380 10,028,780 9,864,190 
			 Under 60 14,220 10,090 9,930 9,750 - 
			 60 to 64 2,852,580 2,802,640 2,690,280 2,478,860 - 
			 65 to 69 2,265,860 2,183,790 2,133,960 2,110,630 - 
			 70 to 79 3,498,400 3,457,650 3,412,500 3,372,870 - 
			 80 and over 2,179,080 2,138,730 2,098,700 2,056,680 - 
		
	
	
		
			  Winter fuel payment recipients-Easington constituency: Time Series by age 
			  Area/age  2009-10  2008-09  2007-08  2006-07  2005-06 
			 Easington parliamentary constituency 17,480 17,230 17,050 16,710 16,580 
			 Under 60 30 20 30 20 - 
			 60 to 64 4,550 4,500 4,330 4,120 - 
			 65 to 69 3,670 3,570 3,640 3,650 - 
			 70 to 79 6,210 6,190 6,170 6,140 - 
			 80 and over 3,020 2,950 2,890 2,790 - 
			  Notes: 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10 and therefore totals may not sum. 2. Constituencies used are for the Westminster Parliament of May 2005. DWP are currently working to produce 2009-10 WFP figures for the Westminster Parliament of May 2010. 3. The 'under 60' category contains cases where an IS/JSA claimant receives a payment on behalf of their partner who is aged 60 or over. 4. The age breakdown for 2005-06 winter fuel payments shows a larger than expected number of recipients aged under 60 compared with subsequent years. The age breakdown has been withdrawn while the figures are investigated.  Source: DWP Information Directorate 100% data

Winter Fuel Payments

Julian Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many higher rate taxpayers receive winter fuel payments; and what the cost to the public purse of such payments was in the latest period for which figures are available.

Steve Webb: The number of higher rate taxpayers in Great Britain receiving winter fuel payments is not available.
	However, winter fuel payments are paid to those over woman's state pension age, which is increasing from 60 to 60.5 during 2010-11. The estimated number of higher rate tax payers aged 60 and over in 2010-11 is 450,000 (rounded to nearest 50,000). This figure includes those paying tax at the additional rate (i.e. at a rate of 50%).
	The estimated amount of winter fuel payments paid to higher rate (or additional rate) tax payers is £90 million in 2010-11 (rounded to nearest £10 million).
	 Notes:
	1. Figures use HMRC data on the number of taxpayers by tax band for 2007-08, projected forwards using June 2010 Budget assumptions. It is assumed that all tax payers of appropriate age get winter fuel payment.
	2. The winter fuel payment for 2010-11 is £250/£400 per household.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Burma: Overseas Trade

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps he has taken to discourage British companies from trading and investing in Burma.

Jeremy Browne: The Government's position on this issue is well known. We do not encourage trade and investment in Burma and, in compliance with EU sanctions, we do not offer commercial services to any companies who may want to trade or invest there.

Burma: Politics and Government

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on forcible relocations of indigenous farmers in the Hukawng valley, northern Burma.

Jeremy Browne: The Government are aware of reports that people living in the Hukawng reserve, in Kachin state, northern Burma, have had their homes destroyed, land confiscated and been forcibly relocated as a result of the regime's plans to transform the area into a centre for bio-fuel production. Our embassy in Rangoon is part of an in-country group that is monitoring developments and providing assistance to local communities to help document and highlight the situation.

Burma: Railways

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the construction of a railway link across the Salween river to eastern Shan state in Burma.

Jeremy Browne: The Government are aware of reports alleging that thousands of acres of farmland have been confiscated in this area and that farmers who complain to the regime have been threatened with imprisonment. Ethnic groups in Shan state are also reportedly concerned that the railway could be used by the regime to deploy military forces and equipment to the area. We are monitoring developments.

Departmental Public Expenditure

Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  which embassies have had their budgets reduced as a result of the removal of the overseas price mechanism; and by how much each such embassy's budget for  (a) 2008-09,  (b) 2009-10 and  (c) 2010-11 was reduced;
	(2)  whether spending reductions consequent on the removal of the overseas price mechanism have resulted in reductions in his Department's spending on counter-terrorism projects;
	(3)  whether the budget reductions required as a result of the removal of the overseas price mechanism resulted in the withdrawal, reduction or deferral of any of his Department's  (a) human rights,  (b) democracy promotion,  (c) counter-proliferation,  (d) counter-projects narcotics,  (e) counter-radicalisation and  (f) climate change projects;
	(4)  whether the spending reductions consequent on the removal of the overseas price mechanism resulted in the withdrawal or reduction of his Department's support to any of the overseas territories.

Alistair Burt: The overseas pricing movements (OPM) mechanism was abolished by the previous Government as part of the 2007 comprehensive spending review. OPM was originally put in place in order to ensure that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's (FCO) overseas budget was maintained in real terms after foreign exchange rate and differential inflationary pressures overseas. The decision to remove OPM became effective in April 2008. As a result the FCO implemented a foreign currency forward purchase programme to help manage its foreign exchange needs.
	Since April 2008, our posts overseas have faced significant exchange rate and inflationary pressures. In 2008-09 the exchange and inflation rate pressure on our posts' budgets was £59.2 million. In 2009-10 the exchange and inflation rate pressures on our posts' budgets was £80 million and is estimated to be over £100 million in 2010-11. As budgets in the FCO are devolved to our network of over 250 posts, details of the specific impact that the loss of OPM has had on any project or specific area of spend could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	Additional exchange rate pressures have had an impact on our international organisations subscriptions, peacekeeping assessed contributions and other budget areas spent in foreign currency from the UK. The total net impact on the Department's budget of adverse currency movements is estimated to be £77 million in 2008-09, £109 million in 2009-10 and £141 million in 2010-11.
	In order to manage the pressures on our overseas network from exchange rate movements since the ending of the OPM mechanism and retain a global footprint, the FCO has had to re-examine and reprioritise funds allocated to programmes so they focus on those areas where the FCO itself can make the biggest difference and which offer the best possible value for money.
	As part of the 2010 spending round, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that a new Foreign Currency Mechanism would be introduced to enable the FCO to better manage exchange rate pressures and allow for better planning. This will allow the FCO to stabilise the value of our budget overseas so that our activity will no longer be dictated by the foreign exchange markets, as it has been since OPM was withdrawn.

Departmental Sick Leave

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many officials in his Department have had  (a) fewer than five days,  (b) five to 10 days,  (c) 10 to 15 days,  (d) 15 to 20 days,  (e) 20 to 25 days,  (f) 25 to 50 days,  (g) 50 to 75 days,  (h) 75 to 100 days,  (i) 100 to 150 days,  (j) 150 to 200 days,  (k) more than 200 days,  (l) more than three months,  (m) more than six months and  (n) one year on paid sick leave (i) consecutively and (ii) in total in each year since 1997.

Alistair Burt: Under our Sickness Absence Management Policy and Procedures, staff, both in the UK and overseas, are required to enter details of any sickness absences they have on our online Human Resource system. Line managers are then required to verify that the absences have been correctly entered. This measure is in place to ensure we have an accurate record of sickness absence and are able to deal promptly with cases of excessive sick leave. Staff who fail to follow correct sickness absence procedures could face disciplinary action under the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Misconduct Procedures guidelines.
	We are currently reviewing our Sickness Absence Management Policy and Procedures and will consider as a part of this review whether there are additional steps which may help reduce levels of sickness among both junior and more senior staff.
	
		
			  Response: (i) consecutively 
			   2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010 
			 Fewer than five days 2,289 1,805 1,376 1,383 2,046 2,177 1,875 
			 5 to 9 days 397 367 291 290 383 441 272 
			 10 to 14 days 139 144 113 96 129 160 106 
			 15 to 19 days 86 82 71 63 96 89 64 
			 20 to 24 days 44 46 29 37 46 52 32 
			 25 to 49 days 97 107 115 81 111 124 98 
			 50 to 74 days 53 37 33 32 31 35 25 
			 75 to 99 days 29 21 18 21 8 18 9 
			 100 to 149 days 34 18 16 15 12 5 9 
			 150 to 199 days 9 8 6 8 1 2 1 
			 More than 200 days 5 11 16 12 5 4 4 
			 More than three months 44 32 28 30 16 2 13 
			 More than six months 10 7 9 11 3 17 5 
			 One year on paid sick leave 0 5 9 3 3 2 0 
		
	
	
		
			  Response: (ii) total in each year 
			   2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010 
			 Fewer than five days 1,386 1,150 874 872 1,313 1,357 1,365 
			 5 to 9 days 509 392 312 349 480 508 357 
			 10 to 14 days 204 153 123 113 93 90 93 
			 15 to 19 days 119 78 74 64 152 217 56 
			 20 to 24 days 63 42 29 43 55 47 33 
			 25 to 49 days 114 124 83 92 107 109 93 
			 50 to 74 days 52 29 42 42 46 47 31 
			 75 to 99 days 25 34 29 29 18 29 18 
			 100 to 149 days 31 26 23 12 27 11 18 
			 150 to 199 days 15 16 17 13 9 18 8 
			 More than 200 days 17 18 23 17 9 10 6 
			 More than three months 51 55 48 36 34 41 30 
			 More than six months 18 15 12 15 10 9 9 
			 One year on paid sick leave 0 8 11 4 3 3 0

Hajj Advisory Group

Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consultation his Department had with community leaders before taking the decision not to include a medical team within the British Hajj Delegation.

Jeremy Browne: The decision to discontinue the medical element of the British Hajj Delegation was taken by Ministers following a Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) review in March 2010. The review did not include consultations with community leaders but, rather, took an objective view of the situation on the ground. The review noted significant improvements to the medical facilities provided for pilgrims by the Saudi authorities since the British Hajj Delegation first began 11 years ago. It also noted the declining demand for medical assistance for minor ailments from British Hajjis.
	The decision brings our support for British Hajjis more into line with the support we provide for British nationals at other events. The FCO does not provide medical services at any other event involving large numbers of British nationals.

Iran: Nuclear Power

Michael Ellis: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on the effect of the Stuxnet computer virus on Iran's nuclear programme.

Alistair Burt: I am aware of recent reports relating to the Stuxnet computer virus. It is for Iran to comment on the impact of such incidents. However, it is clear that Iran is continuing to undertake proliferation-sensitive activities including seeking to expand its nuclear programme, in direct defiance of six UN Security Council resolutions.

Iran: Sanctions

Michael Ellis: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his  (a) US and  (b) European counterparts on the effectiveness of sanctions against Iran.

Alistair Burt: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary holds regular discussions with US and EU counterparts on the Iranian nuclear issue, including sanctions. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary most recently discussed Iran with Secretary of State Clinton on 27 September, and with EU counterparts at the Foreign Affairs Council on 25 October, where an EU regulation implementing sanctions against Iran was adopted.

Israel: Illegal Settlers

Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what aims and objectives his Department has set for its policy on Hezbollah.

Alistair Burt: We want to see Hezbollah reject violence and play a constructive, democratic and peaceful role in Lebanese politics, in line with the full implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, most notably UN Security Council resolution 1701, which calls upon Hezbollah to disarm.

Middle East: Armed Conflict

Michael Ellis: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the condition of Gilad Shalit; and what discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on the matter.

Alistair Burt: The UK has long called for Gilad Shalit's immediate and unconditional release. It is also vital that Hamas allows the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to visit Gilad immediately and ensure that he is in good health. His continued captivity without any ICRC access and with only very occasional, minimal contact with his family is utterly unacceptable.
	We continue to call on Hamas to renounce violence and take immediate and concrete steps towards the Quartet principles and to free Gilad Shalit without delay.

Middle East: Armed Conflict

Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent progress his Department has made in efforts to secure the release of Corporal Gilad Shalit.

Alistair Burt: As my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary made clear in the House on 14 September 2010,  Official Report, column 740:
	"Obviously, we are not able directly to secure his release, but that matter is one of the deeply aggravating factors that mean that Gaza remains such an immense international problem. We have called repeatedly for the release of Gilad Shalit and will continue to do so, and the international community will continue to work towards that end. If Hamas and other forces in Gaza were remotely interested in a political settlement and in coming to terms with Israel and the rest of the international community, they would wish to do that".
	The UK Permanent Representative to the UN reiterated this message on 18 October 2010.

Nuclear Disarmament

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the Prime Minister's oral statement of 19 October 2010,  Official Report, columns 805-06, on the Strategic Defence and Security Review, in what forums he expects discussions of the UK's responsibilities for multilateral nuclear disarmament to take place.

Alistair Burt: The Government are committed to the long-term vision of a world without nuclear weapons and will press for multilateral progress as the primary means of achieving sustainable global nuclear disarmament.
	The UK continues to take part in regular discussions on multilateral nuclear disarmament in the following international fora: the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty preparatory committees and five-yearly review conferences; the UN's Disarmament Commission and First Committee; the preparatory commission for the Comprehensive Test-Ban Treaty Organisation; and the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva. The nuclear weapon states will also discuss nuclear disarmament at a meeting of the P5 in Paris in 2011-following a similar conference hosted by the UK in 2009.

Nuclear Weapons: Arms Control

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what position the Government plan to take in the forthcoming meeting of the United Nations First (Disarmament) Committee on the draft resolution on  (a) the Nuclear Weapons Convention (draft resolution L.50) and  (b) d-alerting (draft resolution L42).

Alistair Burt: Resolution votes at the UN's First Committee started in New York on 26 October 2010. The UK voted against the draft resolution on a Nuclear Weapons Convention (draft resolution L.26), together with 47 other countries including the US and all EU partners.
	On 27 October 2010, the UK voted against the draft resolution on de-alerting (L.42), along with the US and France. We gave a statement at the time of voting at First Committee, which explained that we do not accept that further de-alerting of nuclear weapons by the UK is necessary to prevent accidental use: our nuclear weapons are subject to the most rigorous command and control systems, and the UK has already significantly reduced the operational status of our nuclear deterrent.

Peace Keeping Operations

Michael Ellis: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to his Iranian and Syrian counterparts on  (a) the implementation of UN Resolution 1701 and  (b) weapons smuggling into Lebanon.

Alistair Burt: During my visit to Damascus in July, I made clear and firm representations to Foreign Minister Muallem in support of UN Security Council resolution 1701. We are strongly committed to the full implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1701: this is the best means of achieving stability in Lebanon. I also raised the issue of weapons smuggling in Lebanon and underlined concerns about reports of Syrian facilitation of arms to Hezbollah. My officials continue to raise these issues at the highest level during our regular dialogue with Syrian counterparts.
	We remain concerned that Iran is undermining regional peace and stability, including through weapons transfers. We call on Iran to play a constructive role in the region, including through restoring international confidence in its nuclear programme. We continue to make our views clear through interventions at the UN on UN Security Council resolutions 1701 and 1559.

Sri Lanka: Human Rights

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his counterpart in the Government of Sri Lanka on the human rights situation in the country.

Alistair Burt: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I discussed our concerns with the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister on 19 and 20 October 2010 and stressed the need to improve the human rights situation in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka: Human Rights

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made towards the establishment of an independent and transparent investigation into allegations of war crimes in Sri Lanka.

Alistair Burt: I refer the hon. Member to my response of 21 October 2010,  Official Report, columns 821-22W, to my hon. Friend the Member for St Ives (Andrew George).

Tamils

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department has received reports on the authenticity of photographs of Tamil detainees released by the Global Tamil Forum.

Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has received no reports on the authenticity of the photographs. These disturbing images underline the importance of a credible investigation into allegations of violations of international law by both parties to the conflict.

TRANSPORT

Bus Services

Penny Mordaunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what guidance his Department issues to local authorities on the provision of bus services.

Norman Baker: holding answer 25 October 2010
	The Department has issued the following guidance to local authorities considered relevant to the provision of bus services, which can be found on the internet at the addresses provided:
	Guidance to support local authorities in preparing their third Local Transport Plans. The guidance gives brief advice to local authorities on the powers and other measures available to local authorities to enhance local bus services, and points authorities to other useful documents.
	http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/ltp/guidance/localtransportsplans/
	Guidance on making best use of community transport for local authorities completing Local Transport Plans:
	http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/ltp/guidance/localtransportsplans/policies/communitytransport/
	Guidance for local authorities and bus operators on bus punctuality partnerships:
	http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/buses/buspunctuality/
	Guidance on quality bus partnership schemes, quality contract schemes and voluntary bus partnership schemes:
	http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/localtransportbill/vpaguidance.pdf
	http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/localtransportbill/qcsstatutoryguidance/
	http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/localtransportbill/
	Guidance on the tendering of bus services, including good practice and specimen contracts:
	http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/buses/tendering/

Bus Services: Standards

Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many times a traffic commissioner has taken steps as a result of complaints regarding bus companies not fulfilling their advertised timetables since 2005; which companies were the subject of such complaints; and what fine was imposed by the traffic commissioner in each case where a penalty was imposed.

Michael Penning: holding answer 22 October 2010
	Between April 2005 and March 2010, a total of 166 operators of local bus services have attended public inquiries at which traffic commissioners have considered taking action for not running local services as registered, under the provisions of section 26 of the Transport Act 1985. Of these there were 100 incidences where an operator had penalties imposed under section 155 of the Transport Act 2000 and 38 incidences where operators had other restrictions placed upon their operator's licence. Traffic commissioners can also issue warning letters to operators without holding a public inquiry if they consider it appropriate.
	The traffic commissioners publish the results of all public inquiries on the DFT website available at:
	http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roads/tpm/trafficcommissioners/publicationscheme/publications

Crossrail

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his most recent estimate is of the opening date for the full Crossrail route.

Theresa Villiers: holding answer 26 October 2010
	 Under the revised programme for the construction of the central tunnels, we expect that phased introduction of Crossrail services will commence from 2018.

Cycling Schemes

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Bikeability cycle training scheme.

Norman Baker: Bikeability cycle training is based on the National Standard for cycling training. The National Standard was developed by cycling organisations, safety bodies (including the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and Road Safety UK), and the Administrations of the United Kingdom. It represents years of combined experience in providing high-quality, safe cycle training. Formal cycle training with an on-road element, such as Bikeability, has been shown to improve the safety awareness of children.
	Recent research conducted by MORI asked parents and children about their experiences of Bikeability. Children who have taken part in the scheme feel safer and more confident when riding on the road (86%) and their parents feel more confident in allowing them to do so (87%). Children who have participated also feel more confident about riding their bike more often (87%). Bikeability training is rated very highly by both parents (97% say that they are very/quite satisfied with the training) and children (95% describe it as fairly/very good). I intend to publish this research in full in the near future.
	The Department is currently evaluating cycling measures undertaken in the designated cycling demonstration towns, including cycle training and other activities aimed at schools. This work will be published once complete.
	The value the Government place on Bikeability is demonstrated by our decision to continue support for the scheme after 2010-11.

Departmental Computer Software

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many applications for the Apple iPhone his Department has commissioned each company to create; and at what cost to the public purse those applications were created.

Norman Baker: The only application for the Apple iPhone commissioned by the Department for Transport and agencies is one launched by the Highways Agency in February 2010. It provides traffic information and breaking news alerts, and was developed by the companies Rufus Leonard and AIM at a cost of £29,050.

Departmental Manpower

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the staffing levels of each agency sponsored by his Department in each year of the comprehensive spending review period.

Norman Baker: holding answer 27 October 2010
	We are committed to meeting the targets for efficiencies set out in the comprehensive spending review and are currently working up detailed plans to deliver these, which includes staffing levels.

Departmental Sick Leave

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many days his Department has lost to staff sickness in each year since 1997; and what estimate he made of the cost to his Department of sickness absence in each such year.

Norman Baker: The central Department and its Executive agencies committed to a Cabinet Office methodology of calculating sickness absence in 2007. To recalculate earlier figures would incur disproportionate cost.
	Our quarterly departmental returns to the Cabinet Office are summarised in the following table:
	
		
			  12-month period  Total number of sick days  AWDL per full-time equivalent post 
			 January 2007 to December 2007 206,608.0 11.0 
			 April 2007 to March 2008 204,384.0 10.8 
			 July 2007 to June 2008 191,879.0 9.9 
			 October 2007 to September 2008 180,057.0 9.3 
			 January 2008 to December 2008 171,613.0 8.9 
			 April 2008 to March 2009 159,168.0 8.3 
			 July 2008 to June 2009 152,579.0 8.1 
			 October 2008 to September 2009 153,933.0 8.1 
			 January 2009 to December 2009 153,992.0 8.1 
			 April 2009 to March 2010 155,799.0 8.2 
		
	
	An estimate of costs is available only at disproportionate cost as single periods of sickness exceeding six months are paid at a reduced rate.
	The Department reports sickness absence figures to the Cabinet Office on a quarterly basis and updates our results on the external website:
	http://www.dft.gov.uk/about/staff/sickabsence

Departmental Training

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many external training courses were attended by staff of his Department in the last 12 months; and what the cost to the public purse was of each such course.

Norman Baker: The following table lists the number of external training courses attended by staff in the Department for Transport (DfT) between 1 September 2009 to 31 August 2010, and the cost where information is available:
	
		
			  Agency  Number of training courses  Total cost (£) 
			 Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency 194 114,557 
			 Government Car and Despatch Agency 1 4,644.65 
			 Vehicle Certification Agency (1)- 216,019 
			 Maritime & Coastguard Agency 416 630,083 
			 Driving Standards Agency 235 204,336 
			 (1 )Number of courses cannot be obtained without incurring disproportionate costs. 
		
	
	This information is not held centrally by the central Department for Transport, and it is not possible to obtain this for the Highways Agency or the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency without incurring disproportionate costs. Whilst we are able to provide the overall cost of training courses for the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), it is not possible to obtain information on the number of training courses without again incurring disproportionate costs. This is because the VCA relies on data supplied by its finance procurement system. Whilst this can identify expenditure on learning and development activities as a whole, it is not possible to differentiate between expenditure on courses and expenditure on other forms of learning and development activity. It is also not possible to accurately determine the number of courses delivered against a paid invoice. Their training budget is also used to meet the cost of ad-hoc training course expenses, professional registration, and exam fees, among other items.

Driving Offences: Fraud

Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the number of driving offences which have not resulted in a prosecution due to the provision by the offender of fraudulent identity documents in each of the last five years; and how many such offences involved one or more deaths.

James Brokenshire: I have been asked to reply.
	The information requested is not available.
	Data on driving offences and road casualties held by the Home Office and Department for Transport do not include information on the identity documents held by offenders.

Driving Tests: Birmingham

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the average waiting time was between applying for and taking a driving test in  (a) Wednesbury,  (b) Wolverhampton and  (c) Kingstanding in (i) each of the last five years and (ii) the most recent period for which information is available.

Michael Penning: The following table gives the annual average waiting times for car and motorcycle tests at Wednesbury, Wolverhampton and Birmingham (Kingstanding) driving test centres in the past five years.
	
		
			  Weeks 
			2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09  2009-10  2010 to date( 1) 
			 Kingstanding Car 5.0 8.0 9.5 9.1 8.0 9.0 
			  Motorcycle 2.0 1.9 3.1 6.6 - - 
			 
			 Wednesbury Car 3.8 5.9 7.2 5.5 4.5 5.4 
			 
			 Wolverhampton: closed 30 March 2010 Car 2.4 3.7 7.1 8.9 8.3 - 
			  Motorcycle 6.3 4.8 4.8 6.3 2.5 - 
			 
			 Wolverhampton MPTC: opened 25 October 2009 Car - - - - 5.8 8.3 
			  Motorcycle Module 1 - - - - 2.1 4.5 
			  Motorcycle Module 2 - - - - 3.0 3.9 
			 (1) 25 October 2010  Notes: 1. Wolverhampton DTC stayed open while another DTC was refurbished. 2. Waiting times measured at Wolverhampton until September 2009, when the Wolverhampton MPTC started taking bookings.

East Coast Railway Line

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much he plans to allocate to improvements to the east coast main line; over what period; and if he will make a statement.

Theresa Villiers: During Control Period 4, which runs from April 2009 to March 2014, Network Rail's delivery plan allocates spending of £582 million (in 2010-11 prices) for enhancements to the east coast main line.

Galileo Project

Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his most recent estimate of the cost to the UK of the EU Galileo satellite project is; and what such estimates were made in each of the last three years.

Theresa Villiers: holding answer 25 October 2010
	The system's in orbit validation (IOV) phase was initially funded through contributions to the European Space Agency (ESA). The UK has provided €240.3 million to Galileo through its contributions to ESA. Funding to ESA is provided on a  juste retour basis, meaning that contracts equivalent to a member state's contribution less administration costs should be awarded to companies from within the member state.
	The subsequent work required to complete the Galileo system is funded from the core EU budget to which all member states contribute. The UK contributes to the EU budget as a whole, not to individual programmes within it. The level of UK contribution depends on a number of factors, and varies from year to year. As a rough indication, the UK's pre-abatement contribution to the 2010 budget is currently estimated at 14%. The UK's contribution to the EU budget from 2014 onwards will be decided during the forthcoming negotiations.
	The EU budget allocation to complete the system was set at €3.405 billion in 2007. Four of the six work package contracts necessary to complete the system have been let and orders placed for items such as satellites, and the remaining contracts should be signed in the near future.
	The European Commission has not yet set out its proposal for the exploitation phase covering the operation, maintenance, marketing, improvement and renewal of the system from 2014 onwards. The Commission is required to undertake a feasibility study of the advantages and disadvantages of the use of contracts with private sector entities as part of this process since that may save public funds. The Commission's proposal may be made with the programme's mid-term review which the Commission is legally required to undertake in 2010.

Great Western Main Line

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what capital allocations he plans to make in respect of the Great Western Main Line in each year of the next spending review period.

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he plans to allocate funds for the electrification of the Great Western Main Line.

Theresa Villiers: holding answer s 26 October 2010
	 Decisions on electrification are linked with rolling stock programmes and the Intercity Express Programme. We are currently considering revised proposals from Agility Trains for the Intercity Express Programme (IEP). An announcement on the electrification of the Great Western Main Line will be made in due course, taking account of decisions on the future of the IEP project.

Great Western Main Line

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he plans to announce his decision on his plans for the electrification of the Great Western Line between Swansea and London; and by what means he plans to make that announcement.

Theresa Villiers: We are currently considering revised proposals from Agility Trains for the Intercity Express Programme (IEP). An announcement on the electrification of the Great Western Main Line will be made to the House in due course in light of the Government's decision on the IEP programme.

Great Western Main Line: Finance

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what capital rail expenditure schemes his Department has planned for the Great Western Line during the comprehensive spending review period.

Theresa Villiers: We expect that the following capital rail expenditure schemes will take place on the Great Western Main Line during the spending review period:
	Elements of the Crossrail surface works
	Reading station redevelopment
	Barry-Cardiff Queen Street corridor improvements
	Cotswold line re-doubling
	An announcement on the electrification of the Great Western Main Line will be made in due course in light of the Government's decision on the Intercity Express Programme.

High Level Output Strategy

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what timetable he has set for announcements on the future procurement of rolling stock under the High Level Output Strategy.

Theresa Villiers: holding answer 26 October 2010
	An announcement on the High Level Output Specification (HLOS) will be made in due course.

High Speed Trains: Finance

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport under what budget headings the planned £750 million allocation to High Speed 2 will be spent in the next spending review period.

Philip Hammond: A breakdown of budget allocations for high speed rail in the next spending review period is not yet available. Funding over this period will include expenditure under the following headings:
	delivery of a consultation on the Government's strategy for high speed rail and on a line of route from London to the west midlands;
	subject to the outcome of that consultation, preparation, including an environmental impact assessment, and delivery of a hybrid Bill seeking powers for a London to west midlands line, including any further refinement of the line of route;
	preparation of recommendations to Government in relation to lines to Leeds and Manchester; and
	provision for assistance for the owners of properties affected by blight.

High Speed Trains: Staffordshire

Christopher Pincher: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has made an estimate of the likely effects of High Speed 2 on the economy of  (a) Staffordshire and  (b) Tamworth constituency.

Philip Hammond: I have made no such estimate.

Highways Agency: Finance

John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects each of the Highways Agency major schemes for which funding was confirmed in the comprehensive spending review to be completed.

Philip Hammond: holding answer 28 October 2010
	 I refer the hon. Member to my oral statement of 26 October 2010 , Official Report, columns 177-79, "Investment in Highways and Local Transport Schemes" which has been placed in the Library of the House. Specific completion dates will be confirmed by the Highways Agency's programme in due course.

Highways Agency: Finance

John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the likely effects on maintenance standards on the strategic road network of reductions in funding for the Highways Agency.

Michael Penning: holding answer 28 October 2010
	 The Highways Agency is responsible for the maintenance, repair and renewal of the Strategic Road Network (SRN) in England on behalf of the Secretary of State. The agency is undertaking a review of its routine and winter maintenance standards to ensure that it maintains the SRN in a safe and serviceable condition, while seeking to reduce costs and drive value for money from its supply chain.
	The review is expected to be completed by April 2011.The revised standards will be introduced into new and existing maintenance contracts as appropriate. Maintaining the SRN in a safe condition will remain a priority for the agency.

Large Goods Vehicles

Gisela Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the proportion of heavy goods vehicles using trunk roads that were left-hand drive in 2009; and if he will make a statement.

Michael Penning: The Department does not hold data on the proportion of left-hand drive vehicles using trunk roads.
	Data are collected on the proportion of foreign registered vehicles on British roads. In 2009, 3.9% of all heavy goods vehicle traffic was estimated to be driven by a foreign registered vehicle.

M20: Noise

Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the number of households located in the area between junctions 4 and 6 of the M20 which are adversely affected by noise from that motorway; and how many such households are estimated to fall into each decibel band.

Michael Penning: During the last five years, the Highways Agency (HA) has carried out an extensive installation of noise barriers on the section of the M20 between Junctions 4 to 5 as part of the HA list noise mitigation programme.
	Since the barrier installations, the HA has not made any estimate of the number of households located in the area between junctions 4 to 5 of the M20 which are adversely affected by noise from the motorway. The M20 between junctions 5 and 6 was not part of the noise mitigation programme and no estimate has been made of the number of households adversely affected at this location.

M4: Bus Lanes

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the total cost to the public purse of his proposed  (a) suspension of the M4 bus lane until and  (b) removal of the M4 bus lane after the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Michael Penning: The cost of the suspension of the M4 bus lane is estimated at around £400,000. Our indicative business case shows that the economic value of potential journey time savings that could be realised by the removal of the M4 bus lane exceeds the cost of removing the bus lane under the Experimental Order. In advance of the conclusion of the Experimental Order period and further evaluation, it would not be appropriate to attempt to estimate costs relating to any scheme for permanent removal.

Maritime and Coastguard Agency: Training

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many applications the Maritime and Coastguard Agency received to its Local Authority Beach Supervisor Course in the last 12 months; and what proportion of such applicants was successful.

Michael Penning: In the last 12 months the Maritime and Coastguard Agency have received 11 applications from local authorities, and of these, six were successful.

Motorways

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which Managed and Controlled Motorway Schemes his Department plans to deliver in the next five years.

Michael Penning: I direct the hon. Member to the Secretary of State's announcement of 26 October 2010,  Official Report, columns 177-79, on future transport investment. A full outline of forthcoming road schemes can be found in the Library of the House.

Motorways: Speed Limits

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received from motoring organisations in support of increasing the speed limit to 80 miles per hour on controlled stretches of motorway.

Michael Penning: There have been no recent representations received in support of increasing the speed limit to 80 miles per hour on controlled stretches of motorway.

Railway Heritage Committee

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the functions currently undertaken by the Railway Heritage Committee will continue to be carried out after its abolition; and if he will make a statement.

Theresa Villiers: holding answer 26 October 2010
	We have considered whether the Committee's power to attach statutory designations to rail-related items of heritage interest should be retained following the Committee's abolition.
	We have noted that the rail industry has a good record in relation to protection of items with heritage interest and that no equivalent power has been enacted in relation to other industries or transport sectors. In the light of that, we do not plan to retain the current designation powers. We would expect to repeal them but this would be subject to parliamentary scrutiny.

Railways: Birmingham

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 14 October 2010,  Official Report, columns 410-11W, on railway stations: Birmingham, whether there have been any changes to  (a) the budget for the Access to All Scheme at Northfield Station since May 2010 or  (b) the estimated costs of the scheme since it was first approved by Network Rail.

Norman Baker: The scope of the work for the Access for All scheme at Northfield Station has evolved to a design with two lifts, one serving each platform. The anticipated final cost for implementation of the programme remains at £2.531 million and this has not changed since May 2010.
	Network Rail is currently investigating cost-efficiency measures to deliver this scheme and we hope this will achieve some cost reductions.

Railways: Comprehensive Spending Review

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many  (a) new and  (b) cascaded carriages he expects to be delivered to rail routes in the north-west over the period of the comprehensive spending review.

Theresa Villiers: holding answer 26 October 2010
	Deployment of carriages to the north-west is linked to decisions on other inter-dependent rail schemes.
	We are currently considering revised proposals from Agility Trains for the Intercity Express Programme. Announcements on the Thameslink programme and the High Level Output Specification rolling stock programme will be made in light of the Government's final decision on the Intercity Express Programme. Decisions on those schemes will then determine the availability of new and cascaded rolling stock for other parts of the network.

Railways: Construction

Dan Byles: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the level of carbon dioxide emissions likely to be generated as a result of construction activity relating to the proposed High Speed 2 rail project.

Philip Hammond: A detailed business case for High Speed 2-the proposed line between London and the west midlands-was published by HS2 Ltd in March 2010. This estimates that the main bulk construction materials will produce emissions for HS2 Ltd's recommended route of 1.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (MtCO2), within the range of +0.29 MtCO2 to +2.12 MtCO2.
	The range reflects the preliminary stage of the design for the scheme, and the fact that a number of assumptions had been made in terms of volumes of concrete, steel and ballast required to build the scheme. These volumes of construction materials would be subject to variation as the design for the scheme evolves.

Railways: Disability

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has for the future pricing of  (a) disabled persons' rail cards and  (b) rail tickets purchased using disabled persons' rail cards.

Theresa Villiers: Any proposed changes to the purchase price or the terms and conditions for the disabled person's railcard are a matter for the participating train operators, acting together through their industry body, the Association of Train Operating Companies in accordance with the terms of the disabled person's railcard scheme.
	Under the disabled person's railcard scheme, the purchase price of the railcard may not be increased beyond accumulated RPI.
	Any change to the terms and conditions of the disabled person's railcard, including the discounts to which users of the railcard are entitled, would require the written approval of the Secretary of State. The Department for Transport is not aware of any such plans.

Railways: East of England

Brandon Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his estimate is of the percentage of rail fares for journeys commencing or terminating at stations within  (a) the east of England,  (b) Norfolk and  (c) Great Yarmouth constituency that are regulated.

Theresa Villiers: The Department for Transport does not hold information about rail journeys at the level of detail requested.
	Across the overall network, over 60% of all rail journeys are made on tickets that are regulated and we expect that the same level would probably apply for journeys made in the east of England, Norfolk and the Great Yarmouth constituency.

Railways: Electricity Generation

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the electricity requirements are for High Speed 2; and  (a) from what sources and  (b) by what means he expects that electricity to be generated.

Philip Hammond: The Project Specification annex to the "HS2 Technical Appendix", published by HS2 Ltd in March 2010 alongside its main report, sets out an assumption of the provision of 25-0-25kV AC autotransformer fed overhead line equipment, with additional provisions for, for example, lighting along the line and portable maintenance equipment.
	Issues of electricity generation and supply are outwith the Department for Transport's remit. HS2 Ltd's report and supporting documents are available at:
	www.dft.gov.uk/highspeedrail
	HS2 Ltd has also published an 'HS2 Traction Energy Modelling' report, available at:
	www.hs2.org.uk/highspeed2-publications
	which found that a 200m train from Euston to Birmingham with two stops would consume 4700 kWh energy (after regenerative braking benefit of 437 kWh), and that the total annual energy consumption on the line would be 150 million kWh based on 0.048 kWh/seat-km and 3.2 billion seat-km (running 50 x 200m trains per day each way).

Railways: Electrification

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what capital funding he plans to allocate to  (a) electrification of the Manchester to Liverpool line,  (b) electrification of the Manchester-Preston-Blackpool line and  (c) the Northern Hub for each year of the spending review period.

Theresa Villiers: holding answer 26 October 2010
	On 20 October, the Chancellor announced that electrification of the lines between Manchester, Liverpool, Preston and Blackpool would go ahead. We are working with Network Rail to determine the timetable for the completion of these schemes, and ways of delivering them as cost-effectively as possible, and will make an announcement in due course.
	We will consider the Northern Hub proposal once Network Rail has completed further development work, and we are able to assess the costs, benefits and affordability of the scheme for the next railway control period commencing in 2014.

Railways: Fares

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the compound percentage change in regulated rail fares in each year from 2011 to 2015.

Theresa Villiers: holding answer 26 October 2010
	The Chancellor announced that the regulated fares cap will stay at RPI+1% for January 2011, change to RPI+3% from January 2012 to January 2014 and then revert back to RPI+1% in 2015. This translates to a 10% real increase.

Railways: Finance

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much each train operating company has invested in the rail network in each year since 2002.

Theresa Villiers: holding answer 20 October 2010
	The Department for Transport does not hold figures for annual investment by train operating companies.
	In addition to investment in works such as Project Evergreen being undertaken by Chiltern Railways, train operating companies invest significant sums to enhance stations and associated facilities.
	Most investment in rail infrastructures is currently undertaken by Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd. Full details of their current investment plans can be found at:
	http://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/6648.aspx
	Details of Network Rail's actual investment expenditure are available in their published annual report and accounts at:
	http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browseDirectory.aspx?dir=\ Annual%20Report%20and%20Accounts &pageid=3221&root

Railways: Finance

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what preliminary results he has received from the rail value for money study undertaken by Sir Roy McNulty.

Theresa Villiers: On 14 June 2010, the Secretary of State for Transport announced that he asked for the independent review of value for money in the rail industry to report back early with its initial findings.
	Initial findings are due to be published shortly.

Railways: Noise

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the vibration levels likely to be produced by High Speed 2 trains.

Philip Hammond: HS2 Ltd included an initial assessment of vibration effects in its "Appraisal of Sustainability: A Report for HS2, Non Technical Summary," found at:
	http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/hs2ltd/appraisalofsustainability/
	Further information will be provided in the full appraisal, which will be published to inform the forthcoming public consultation. It is HS2 Ltd's expectation that there will not be perceptible vibration above tunnelled sections.

Railways: Noise

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport with reference to the assumptions in his Department's report on "Appraisal of sustainability: new technical summary on High Speed (HS2)", what estimate he has made of the number of dwellings likely to be affected by peak noise levels of  (a) max 73Db(a) and  (b) 66Db(a) as a HS2 train passes by.

Philip Hammond: The numbers of dwellings affected by noise at different levels would vary significantly as a result of the specific horizontal and vertical route alignment selected. Ministers have not yet made a decision on the exact route that they will recommend for consultation, so these figures cannot currently be finalised. However, estimates of the numbers of properties that may be affected by noise will be included in the full Appraisal of Sustainability which will be published to inform the forthcoming consultation. Further information on noise and a summary of the number of dwellings considered to be impacted by the route recommended by HS2 Ltd in its March report are reproduced in the explanatory note on noise which is available on the HS2 Ltd website at:
	www.hs2.org.uk

Railways: North West

Jake Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has for funding rail line improvements between Darwen and Manchester.

Theresa Villiers: The Government have no current plans to fund rail line improvements between Darwen and Manchester. However, the local authorities are undertaking studies with Network Rail to investigate the feasibility of introducing an all-day half-hourly service between Blackburn, Darwen and Manchester. It is anticipated that local authorities would fund both capital costs and the additional subsidy requirement arising from operating a more frequent service.

Railways: North West

Esther McVey: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much of his Department's proposed expenditure on improvement of rail platforms he plans to allocate to  (a) the north-west and  (b) Wirral.

Theresa Villiers: The spending review confirmed approval for a package of works totalling around £100 million to allow increased rail capacity in the north-west. The package includes track and signalling modifications, as well as platform lengthening and station improvements.
	Full details of how this spending is broken down are a matter for Network Rail, as it delivers the high-level outputs specified by Government.

Road Traffic: Opening of Parliament

Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate the cost to the public purse of congestion in Southwark, Waterloo and Vauxhall caused by traffic disruption on the day of the State Opening of Parliament.

Theresa Villiers: The Department for Transport is not able to produce the information requested from the data we currently hold.

Roads: Privatisation

Steven Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the potential effects of privatising the motorway and trunk road networks on the  (a) level of receipts from (i) vehicle tax discs and (ii) fuel tax,  (b) maintenance and  (c) policing of such networks; and if he will make a statement.

Michael Penning: We have no plans to privatise the road network. Therefore, we have carried out no analysis of the effects of privatisation.

Roads: Sandwell

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many road traffic accidents were recorded in Sandwell in each of the last five years.

Michael Penning: The information requested is shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Reported personal injury road accidents in Sandwell authority, 2005-09 
			   Number of accidents 
			 2005 1,028 
			 2006 1,023 
			 2007 995 
			 2008 971 
			 2009 893

Roads: West Midlands

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many fatal road accidents there have been in West Bromwich East constituency in each month of the last three years.

Michael Penning: The information requested is shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Reported fatal road accidents: West Bromwich East constituency( 1) , 2007-09 
			  Accidents 
			  Month  2007  2008  2009 
			 January 0 0 1 
			 February 0 0 1 
			 March 0 1 0 
			 April 0 0 0 
			 May 0 0 1 
			 June 0 1 1 
			 July 0 0 1 
			 August 1 0 0 
			 September 0 0 0 
			 October 0 0 0 
			 November 0 0 0 
			 December 0 0 0 
			 Total 1 2 5 
			 (1) Based on 2010 constituency boundary

Rolling Stock

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with suppliers on  (a) rolling stock and  (b) locomotives for High Speed 2.

Philip Hammond: None. However, a strong national and international design and manufacturing base exists.

Rolling Stock

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the likely effects of the outcomes of the spending review on his plans for the delivery of new rolling stock.

Theresa Villiers: The spending review announcement confirms the Government's joint commitment with the Mayor of London to delivering Crossrail in its entirety. The delivery of Crossrail will include the procurement of new rolling stock.
	Deployment of other new rolling stock is linked to decisions on several inter-dependent rail schemes. We are currently considering revised proposals from Agility Trains for the Intercity Express Programme, which would provide new intercity rolling stock. Announcements on the Thameslink programme and the High Level Output Specification rolling stock programme, which would provide new and cascaded rolling stock, will be made in light of the Government's final decision on the Intercity Express Programme.

Rolling Stock: North West

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what timetable has been set for purchasing new rolling stock for the north-west.

Theresa Villiers: Deployment of carriages to the north -west is linked to decisions on other, inter-dependent rail schemes. We are currently considering revised proposals from Agility Trains for the Intercity Express Programme. Announcements on the Thameslink programme and the HLOS rolling stock programme will be made in light of the Government's final decision on the Intercity Express Programme. Decisions on those schemes will then determine the availability of new and cascaded rolling stock for the north-west.

Severn Crossing: Finance

Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much debt is owed to Severn River Crossing plc for the construction of the second Severn crossing, expressed in  (a) 2010 and  (b) 1989 prices.

Michael Penning: In their 2009 accounts SRC detail the amounts falling due to creditors after more than one year as £338.8 million, valued at the end of December 2009. Specifically they are the index linked debenture stock due (£200.1 million) for repayment in 2013 and the index linked Government subordinated debt (£138.7 million) due for repayment at the end of the concession period.
	In July 1989 prices, the £338.8 million liability (as at end December 2009) would be £179.5 million. In September 2010 prices, this liability would be £350.1 million.

Severn Crossing: Finance

Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects all debts to Severn River Crossing plc to have been repaid.

Michael Penning: Severn River Crossing plc is expected to repay the subordinated debt owed to the Government at the end of the concession period. This is currently forecast for the first half of 2017.

Severn Crossing: Manpower

Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many staff of  (a) his Department and  (b) the Highways Agency are deployed full- or part-time on matters relating to the transfer of the Severn crossings into Government ownership.

Michael Penning: An official from the Highways Agency attends four half-day meetings a year with Severn River Crossing plc to discuss end of concession transfer and planning issues. No consideration is given otherwise to matters relating to transfer by either the Highways Agency or departmental staff. The current expectation is that the transfer will not happen until 2017.

Speed Limits

Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effect of the introduction of 20 miles per hour zones in  (a) towns and  (b) villages.

Michael Penning: Decisions about setting 20 miles per hour zones are for local authorities, who are best placed to assess all the factors in individual cases.
	The independent Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) has published several pieces of research, including TRL Report 215: Review of traffic calming schemes in 20mph zones and TRL Report 363 Urban speed management methods.
	Additionally in September 2009 the Department published a review of how 20mph speed limit zones are implemented in England. It is available on our website at:
	http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/research/rsrr/theme4/20mphzoneresearch.pdf
	In addition to the above, the Department has researched the effects of the introduction of widespread 20 mph limits in Portsmouth and published the findings on our website at:
	http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/speedmanagement/20mphPortsmouth/pdf/20mphzoneresearch.pdf

Trains: Public Lavatories

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what obligations his Department places on train operating companies to provide lavatories on rail services of  (a) up to 30 minutes,  (b) between 30 minutes and one hour,  (c) between one and two hours,  (d) between two and three hours and  (e) more than three hours in duration.

Theresa Villiers: holding answer 25 October 2010
	 The provision of toilets on trains is not specified as part of rail franchises. The rolling stock used on by individual train companies is generally an operational matter for them to decide, along with the toilet facilities they contain.
	However, a Department for Transport consultation has recently closed on proposals to reform rail franchising. An option under consideration is to include passenger satisfaction measures as one of the ways to assess the performance of train operating companies under their franchise. Passenger views on the provision of toilet facilities could be expected to affect overall perception on the quality of service provided by a train operator.

Transport: Finance

John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which highways authorities major schemes remain under review; and when he expects to announce his decision on the future of each of those schemes.

Philip Hammond: holding answer 27 October 2010
	 I refer the hon. Member to my announcement of 26 October 2010,  Official Report, columns 177-79. Further information has been placed in the Library.

Transport: Greater London

Chuka Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much funding he plans to allocate to transport services in London in  (a) 2010-11 and  (b) 2011-12.

Theresa Villiers: The information is as follows:
	 2010-11
	The Secretary of State has determined the level of GLA transport grant for Transport for London for the year at £2,766,694,000.00. In addition the Department for Transport will pay Transport for London grant of £392,500,000.00 by way of support for its obligations in relation to the former Metronet PPPs, and £24,932,347.14 for the purposes of London Overground. Other smaller amounts of funding for specific projects have been allocated to Transport for London, and to London boroughs, during the year, for example in relation to potholes.
	 2011-12
	The Secretary of State expects to determine the level of GLA transport grant for 2011-12 shortly before the start of that financial year. He set out his intentions regarding future funding for Transport for London at the recent Spending Review; details of Transport for London's new funding agreement from the Government are available on the Department's website in the letter dated 20 October from the Secretary of State to the Mayor of London.
	The Department also allocates funding to other transport operators who provide or facilitate services in London, for example Network Rail, train operating companies or local bus operators.

Underground Railways: North East

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to implement his proposal for funding of a Tees Valley light rail metro system; and if he will make a statement.

Norman Baker: holding answer 25 October 2010
	The Department for Transport has no plans to implement a Tees Valley light rail metro system. We are aware of a long-standing proposal from local authorities in the area for such a system, but no official funding bid has ever been received by the Department.
	Some early elements of the Tees Valley Metro project were prioritised by the north-east in the previous Government's Regional Funding Allocations system. These schemes are not being considered for major scheme funding in the spending review period and we hope to advise promoters how best to proceed once we have made progress in developing a new funding framework for major schemes for the future. In the meantime, promoters may also seek alternative funding sources.
	On 20 October the Department announced that the agreed funding for the Tees Valley Bus Network would be accelerated so that the scheme can be delivered to a quicker timescale.

DEFENCE

Aircraft Carriers

Douglas Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what advice he received on the cost-effectiveness of  (a) cancelling and  (b) proceeding with the aircraft carrier construction programme; and if he will publish each submission he received indicating that cancellation would be the more expensive option.

Peter Luff: The Prime Minister received advice on the aircraft carrier construction programme as part of the strategic defence and security review process. BAE Systems separately wrote to the Prime Minister setting out the company's assessment of costs. The Government's conclusions have been fully explained in the strategic defence and security review, which was published on 19 October.

Aircraft Carriers

Bob Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what will be the cost of modification of the two new aircraft carriers to allow the use of the carrier-variant of the Joint Strike Fighter.

Peter Luff: As announced on 19 October 2010, we plan to deliver the carrier strike capability from around 2020 with the carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter and Queen Elizabeth class carrier fitted with catapults and arrestor gear. We are investigating the optimum means of achieving this outcome, working with industry and our international partners. No decisions have been taken as to the type of system, delivery dates or procurement route, or whether both carriers will be converted.

Armed Forces: Higher Education

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the UK's armed forces he has estimated will take up places at universities in England in each of the next five years; at what cost to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Luff: In addition to formal attendance at universities either as an undergraduate or postgraduate, we encourage the attainment of academic qualifications in a part-time capacity and have in place a variety of funding mechanisms ranging from sponsorship through to standard and enhanced learning credits. In addition many military courses attract accreditation and we work closely with academic institutions to facilitate the attainment of qualifications such as the MBA programme with the Open University.
	The Government are considering the recommendations made by Lord Browne in his independent review into higher education funding and student finance and we have also published the findings of the strategic defence and security review. In the light of these separate pieces of work, the likely uptake of places and the cost of attendance at university for the next five years, in England or elsewhere, cannot be determined with accuracy.

Armed Forces: Training

Bob Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the average cost of training  (a) a Royal Marine commando and  (b) an Army infantry soldier in the latest period for which figures are available.

Nick Harvey: The training cost for a Royal Marine from recruitment to graduation from the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) is in the region of £54,000. Other than local familiarisation training, a graduate from CTCRM is fully deployable.
	The training cost for an infantry soldier from recruitment to graduation from the Infantry Training Centre is in the region of £31,000. However, a soldier is not deployable at that stage and will undertake further training to become operationally effective within their unit. These further costs are not collected centrally and will include an element of local training where the cost is not easily identifiable, for example one-to-one instruction by a non-commissioned officer improving tactical knowledge of a unit's operational function.

Defence: Expenditure

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which  (a) service and  (b) civilian allowances will be affected by his proposed reductions in expenditure.

Peter Luff: The final shape of the package will depend on further work, which will be subject to full consultation with relevant parties, including the trades unions, as well as the results of mandatory assessments on the impact that the measures will have on sustainability, equality and diversity and health and safety.

Defence: Exports

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he plans to take to increase defence exports.

Gerald Howarth: This Government have made defence exports a priority. UKTI Defence and Security Organisation (UKTI DSO), part of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills but working in close harmony with the MOD, is responsible for promoting British defence industry overseas. As the hon. Member knows only too well, defence exports make an important contribution to sustaining our defence industry. They uphold tens of thousands of highly skilled jobs and maintain prosperity for the individuals in the industry and for taxpayers as well. In addition to this, defence exports tie into a broader diplomacy initiative by enhancing relationships with key strategic partners.
	This Government intend to increase defence exports through an active and innovative programme for defence diplomacy. We are working closely with industry to gain a clear understanding of the marketplace and to grasp the genuine potential to achieve exports. We are now considering export issues early in our acquisition process and aim to identify how early adjustments can be made to our own procurement programme to improve export prospects. We will utilise modular design opportunities to provide enhanced flexibility to both the company and customer by considering differing capability requirements.
	We continue to support industry through responsible exports consistent with maintaining the effectiveness of the UK's strategic export controls. The first duty of the Government is to safeguard our national security and support for our troops. Effective strategic export controls are essential in fulfilling that commitment, and as such, we will retain an appropriate export licensing process.

Departmental Research

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department's research and development budget is to be frozen in cash terms in 2011-12 at 2010-11 rates.

Peter Luff: The Department's research and development expenditure will not be frozen in cash terms in 2011-12 at 2010-11 rates.

Marchwood Military Port

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  whether his Department has had contact with Associated British Ports on the future of the Marchwood Sea Mounting Centre in the last 12 months; and if he will place in the Library a copy of any documents relating to any potential purchasers of the freehold of the site of that centre;
	(2)  whether it is intended to continue to use the Marchwood Sea Mounting Centre for its present military purposes after any sale of the freehold by his Department;
	(3)  what assessment has been made of the practicability of transferring to other locations the present military functions of the Marchwood Sea Mounting Centre;
	(4)  whether the 17th Port and Maritime Regiment will continue to  (a) be based or  (b) have the use of facilities at the Marchwood Sea Mounting Centre; and if he will make a statement;
	(5)  if he will take account of public opinion in the local community about the intended use of the Marchwood Sea Mounting Centre in considering proposals from potential future purchasers.

Peter Luff: Marchwood's continued suitability as the Ministry of Defence (MOD)'s Sea Mounting Centre has been tested by regular reviews, most recently in the work done to inform the strategic defence and security review and spending review announcements on 19 and 20 October. It remains our view that no other UK location offers the benefits available at Marchwood nor could deliver the Defence Sea Mounting Centre requirement as cost-effectively. This will continue to be tested throughout the sale process.
	The current assumption, which will be tested to deliver value for money, is that Marchwood would continue to deliver the Sea Mounting Centre services required by the MOD under private ownership. 17 Port and Maritime Regiment's continued requirement to use the accommodation and training facilities will be taken into account as planning for the sale of Marchwood develops. We will also consult with the relevant authorities and stakeholders as necessary.
	While an exploratory letter was received from Associated British Ports on the long-term operation of the Sea Mounting Centre in February 2010, it would not be appropriate to publish commercially confidential and sensitive information.

RAF Kinloss: Rescue Services

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to announce his decision on the future of the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre at RAF Kinloss.

Nick Harvey: Work is now under way to consider the implications of decisions announced in the strategic defence and security review for UK military bases, including the future of the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre at RAF Kinloss.

Rescue Services: Private Finance Initiative

Bob Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to announce his decision on the future of the search and rescue private finance initiative contract suspended in June 2010.

Peter Luff: On 17 June 2010 the Chief Secretary to the Treasury announced a review of the approval of the search and rescue helicopter project in the context of the wider pressures on public spending. As soon as this review is complete an announcement on the way forward will be made.

Type 26 Frigates

Bob Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of procuring a Type 26 frigate in the latest period for which figures are available;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the total cost to the public purse of the Type 26 frigate.

Peter Luff: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Glasgow South West (Mr Davidson) on 27 October 2010,  Official Report, column 377W.

UAVs: Afghanistan

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what savings he expects to accrue to his Department as a result of withdrawing the Sentinel from service after completion of its operations in Afghanistan.

Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) made estimates of the cost savings accrued from measures in the strategic defence and security review for the purposes of formulating policy. Some of these have been published to help inform the public debate. Release of further detail may prejudice the MOD's negotiating position with its commercial suppliers. Furthermore, final savings figures will depend on detailed implementation, which will generally be subject to full consultation with all relevant parties, including the trades unions and the devolved Administrations, as well as the results of mandatory assessments on the impact that the measures will have on sustainability, equality and diversity, and health and safety. The MOD is therefore not prepared to release more detailed figures at this time.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Climate Change: Finance

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much funding his Department plans to allocate to international climate finance programmes in each year from 2010-11 to 2014-15.

Stephen O'Brien: The UK has committed to providing £1.5 billion in fast start finance over the period 2010-12, to help the developing world carry out the urgent work needed to adapt to climate change, adopt clean technology and reduce emissions from deforestation. Of this, a total of £511 million has so far been approved for specific multilateral programmes (subject to demonstration of value for money and results).
	The spending review provides a total of £2.9 billion of UK international climate finance (ICF) over the spending review period. Of this total, the Department for International Development (DFID) will be responsible for approximately £1.8 billion. Further allocations will be informed by the ongoing bilateral and multilateral aid reviews, which are assessing how we can maximise the impact of UK aid and achieve value for money.

Institute for Fiscal Studies

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much his Department has spent on services provided by the Institute for Fiscal Studies in the last 24 months.

Alan Duncan: The Department for International Development (DFID) has no record of any expenditure for services from the Institute for Fiscal Studies in the last 24 months.

Members: Correspondence

Gordon Henderson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when he plans to reply to the letter of 1 September 2010 from the hon. Member for Sittingbourne and Sheppey on employment of UK contractors for reconstruction work in Pakistan.

Alan Duncan: A response was sent to the letter from the hon. Member for Sittingbourne and Sheppey about the employment of UK contractors for reconstruction work in Pakistan on 30 September 2010. A copy of that letter was emailed to the hon. Member's office on 26 October 2010.

Sri Lanka: Internally Displaced Persons

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions he has had with his counterpart in the Government of Sri Lanka on the return to their homes of internally displaced people in that country.

Alan Duncan: Ministers have not had any discussions with the Sri Lankan Government regarding the return of internally displaced people to their homes. The British high commissioner in Colombo discusses this issue regularly with the Government of Sri Lanka. We encourage the authorities to allow those people who remain in camps for internally displaced people to return to their home areas as soon as possible.

Sri Lanka: Overseas Aid

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what his Department's policy is on the provision of aid to Sri Lanka; and if he will make a statement.

Alan Duncan: The Department for International Development (DFID) has no direct bilateral development programme with Sri Lanka. Over the last two years however, we have committed £13.5 million of humanitarian funding, all through the UN, Red Cross and NGOs. No funding has gone directly to the Government of Sri Lanka.

Uganda

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department has taken to implement the recommendations of the 2002 United Nations Human Development report on Uganda; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen O'Brien: Before the 2006 Ugandan presidential elections the UK Government provided technical and financial support to the Uganda Electoral Commission through a multi-donor fund managed by the Danish International Development Agency.
	For the presidential elections scheduled for February 2011, the UK Government are participating in a "Deepening Democracy" programme with other development partners including Denmark, Norway, Ireland, the Netherlands and Sweden. Achievements of this joint donor programme so far include enhanced scrutiny of the Executive by Parliament, more transparent and open electoral processes, organisational strengthening of political parties, inter-party dialogue, large-scale engagement with the electoral processes by civil society, promotion of conflict mitigation and resolution strategies and enhancing media freedom.

Yemen

Christopher Pincher: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what programmes his Department has to seek to prevent Yemen from becoming a failed state.

Alan Duncan: As part of the UK Government's co-ordinated approach to Yemen, the Department for International Development's (DFID's) programme supports the Government of Yemen to address causes of instability. Increasing stability helps to prevent state failure. DFID's programmes provide direct support to the delivery of services for the poorest communities in Yemen: better education, improved access to water, health care, jobs, and justice and policing. DFID also provides humanitarian relief to those displaced by conflict.
	DFID, with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, takes a leading role in the Friends of Yemen process, which co-ordinates international support for Yemen. Through this process, we are driving efforts to develop new ways to support Yemeni development priorities that directly tackle instability. The process has secured agreement from the Government of Yemen to deliver a range of reforms that will address immediate causes of instability, including for example, implementing an IMF programme that will help to stabilise the economy, and pursuing the National Dialogue to promote a political resolution of key grievances.

CABINET OFFICE

Central Office of Information: Newcastle upon Tyne

Alan Beith: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many Central Office of Information posts he expects to be located in Newcastle-upon-Tyne at the end of 2011.

Francis Maude: I have asked the chief executive for COI to write to the hon. Member.
	 Letter from Mark Lund, dated 1 November 2010:
	As Chief Executive of the Central Office of Information (COI), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question 21070 regarding the number of posts based in our Newcastle-upon-Tyne Office.
	The number of posts following the recent redundancy scheme will be 9 in November 2010, one request for voluntary redundancy was accepted mitigating the need for any compulsory redundancies. It is not possible to forecast the number of posts at the end of 2011, however it is not expected to change at this time.

NDPBs: Legal Aid

Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office whether he has received representations on the issue of payments from the public purse of fees for legal advice sought by chief executives of non-departmental public bodies which are to close.

Francis Maude: No such representations have been received.

Voluntary Organisations: Equality

Anas Sarwar: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps his Department has taken to assist voluntary sector organisations contracted to deliver public services to fulfil equality duties in respect of their staff.

Nick Hurd: In December 2009 the Cabinet Office published the refreshed Compact. The Compact is a long-standing agreement that sets out shared commitments and guidelines for partnership working between government and the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector.
	Included in the Compact is a section on advancing equality, which commits VCSE organisations to take practical action to eliminate discrimination and advance equality. It also commits the VCSE sector to putting strategies in place to promote equality.
	The Compact is currently being renewed.

Voluntary Organisations: Innovation

Anas Sarwar: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps his Department is taking to encourage innovation in the voluntary sector.

Nick Hurd: We intend that commissioning of public services should be outcome based, leaving much more scope for innovative providers from the social enterprise, voluntary, charitable and small business sectors to bid.

Voluntary Organisations: Public Expenditure

Anas Sarwar: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what research his Department has  (a) commissioned and  (b) evaluated on the effect of reductions in public spending expenditure on levels of demand for services provided by the voluntary sector.

Nick Hurd: The Government recognise this is a particularly challenging time for the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector and are working closely with partners in the sector and across Government to understand and mitigate the impact of public spending reductions on the sector. It is currently too early to evaluate the impact of these reductions on demand for voluntary sector services; however the Cabinet Office is working with the Third Sector Research Centre to examine the exposure of the sector to public spending reductions.
	The Government remain committed to ensuring the sector can play a key role in building a stronger civil society and are working to open up a range of opportunities for the sector. This includes a £100 million fund to support the sector in the transition to a tighter funding environment and delivering public services; work to open up new sources of funding through the Big Society Bank; and training of community organisers to support and galvanise change where most needed in local communities. Throughout this the Government are dedicated to limiting the impact of spending reductions on the sector and are working with local partners and the sector to share best practice in reducing spending.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Agriculture: Finance

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department has taken to reduce administrative costs on farmers since her appointment.

James Paice: I announced a Farming Regulation Review in June, which aims to reduce red tape on farmers and the associated administrative costs. To carry this forward, Richard Macdonald is chairing the Task Force on Farming Regulation to identify ways of reducing regulatory burdens on business and to advise on how best to achieve a risk-based system of regulation. The task force's full list of members, terms of reference and details of how the wider farming and food sector can engage with its work can be found on the DEFRA website at:
	http://www.defra.gov.uk/2010/07/09/farm-review/
	The task force is consulting widely and meeting with farming organisations and others to obtain their views on what should be done. The task force will report to Government in April 2011.

Dogs

Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what advice her Department has issued to police forces and other enforcement bodies on enforcement of legislation designed to reduce the number of dog attacks.

James Paice: DEFRA issued new guidance on the enforcement of the legislation in place to control dangerous dogs last year. This was in order to assist police forces and local authorities in dealing with incidents brought to their attention involving dangerous dogs. The guidance can be found on the DEFRA website at:
	http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/dangerous

Fisheries

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much her Department spent on  (a) monitoring,  (b) protecting and  (c) surveying marine fisheries in each of the last five years.

Richard Benyon: The information requested is set out in the following table.
	
		
			  £ 
			   2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09  2009-10 
			  (a) Monitoring 4,389,577.00 4,424,289.00 4,568,967.00 4,613,325.00 5,109,895.00 
			  (b) Protecting 3,819,438.00 3,982,054.00 4,573,144.00 4,265,195.00 4,689,265.00 
			  (c) Surveying(1) 9,255,874.00 9,021,555.00 8,942,042.00 9,313,068.00 9,357,776.00 
			 Total 17,464,889.00 17,427,898.00 18,084,153.00 18,191,588.00 19,156,936.00 
			 (1) Assumed to mean surveillance.

Flood Control

Roger Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department is taking to co-ordinate responses to a national emergency; and which of these steps derive from recommendations of the Pitt Report.

Richard Benyon: As the designated lead Department responsible for the overall management of the central Government response to major emergencies in nine areas, DEFRA has ensured plans are in place to co-ordinate that response.
	In the case of flooding, DEFRA'S work programme following the Pitt report included many actions designed to improve the multi-agency response to flooding emergencies-at all levels from local to national. A progress report on the full programme was published in December 2009 and is available on DEFRA's website. Looking forward, a National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy is currently being prepared and will provide an overview of all flood risk management arrangements.

Flood Control

Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what methodology she plans to use to determine the future of her Department's flood defence schemes.

Richard Benyon: During the spending review period we plan to reform the way in which funding is prioritised and allocated to projects, giving communities a bigger say in deciding what action is taken and when. We will consult on the approach as part of the forthcoming National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy.

Flood Control: Finance

Jonathan Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the effect of the proposed Comprehensive Spending Review efficiency savings from her Department's capital expenditure on its programme for improving flood defences; and if she will make a statement.

Richard Benyon: The Environment Agency is committed to deliver real term efficiency savings of at least 15% in procurement over the spending review period. In real terms, 15% efficiency savings in flood and coastal risk management procurement is equivalent to delivering an average of 2% more in terms of outcomes, each and every year, between now and 2015.
	The Environment Agency is developing a new procurement strategy which will set out how these savings will be achieved. Its main contractual frameworks are due for renewal, and these present an opportunity to increasingly move towards a delivery model that commissions segments of capital and asset maintenance work to clearly defined service levels and outcomes.

Flood Control: Finance

Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with the Association of British Insurers on the likely effects of reductions in her Department's flood defence budget on insurance premiums  (a) nationally and  (b) in areas of flood risk.

Richard Benyon: DEFRA had discussions with key representatives from the insurance industry, the National Flood Forum, the Environment Agency and local government at the Flood Insurance Summit in September. We agreed to continue working in partnership to ensure insurance remains widely available beyond 2013, when the current Statement of Principles agreement expires. DEFRA is also working to ensure that individuals benefit from improved insurance terms if they take responsibility for reducing their own flood risk.

Flood Control: Finance

Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the number of  (a) homes and  (b) businesses likely to be affected by the reduction in her flood defence budget.

Richard Benyon: The spending review settlement will protect front line forecasting and warning services and incident response, and will prioritise the maintenance of existing defences. We expect to be able to deliver better protection to around 145,000 households by March 2015, and will support growth in activity by lead local flood authorities.

Flood Control: Finance

Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the likely effect of the outcomes of the Comprehensive Spending Review on her Department's expenditure on flood defence in each year to 2015.

Richard Benyon: Flood risk management is a priority area for DEFRA, as is protecting front line services. We will be spending over £2.1 billion on flood and coastal erosion management over the spending review period. By March 2015, better levels of protection are expected for a minimum of 145,000 households in England. The precise annual breakdown has not yet been determined.

Flood Control: Finance

Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many flood defence schemes in each  (a) constituency and  (b) local authority area will be affected by her Department's proposed spending reductions; and what discussions she has had with local authorities on that matter.

Richard Benyon: By March 2015, better levels of protection are expected for a minimum of 145,000 households in England. However, it is too early to say what this means for individual schemes and local authorities.

Higher Level Stewardship Scheme

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what discussions she has had with Natural England on the budget for the higher level stewardship scheme in  (a) 2010-11 and  (b) 2011-12; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  what discussions she has had with Natural England on in-year revision of the budget for the higher level stewardship programme.

James Paice: DEFRA holds regular discussions with Natural England and other arm's length bodies, including on budgetary matters. We are working with Natural England to finalise the detailed budgets for Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) for the remainder of the lifetime of the Rural Development Programme for England, and intend to confirm this shortly. Due to the level of applications for new HLS agreements already approved so far this year, Natural England has now temporarily suspended further approvals while the effects of the spending review outcome are assessed. This is necessary because new commitments made this year will impact on the budgets for subsequent years.

Land

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether non-statutory obligations on  (a) management regimes,  (b) access and  (c) biodiversity in respect of land owned or managed by central Government departments, agencies and non-departmental public bodies will be transferred to new owners or managers of such sites in circumstances in which responsibility for such land is transferred.

Richard Benyon: The transfer of non-statutory obligations would depend on the specific obligation relevant to each area and would need to be considered on a case by case basis.

Rural Areas: Impact Assessments

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will publish her Department's rural impact assessment of the 2010 Spending Review.

Richard Benyon: DEFRA has not carried out a formal assessment of the impact of the spending review on rural matters. It is the responsibility of each Government Department to ensure that the needs and interests of rural people, businesses and communities are addressed fairly in its implementation of the spending review.
	DEFRA has supported Departments by providing guidance to assist them in carrying out their own analysis of whether rural and urban communities will be affected in different ways by spending decisions. DEFRA has also provided Her Majesty's Treasury with advice to help it identify potential adverse rural impacts of spending decisions. DEFRA officials will assist Departments in understanding the likely rural impacts as they work on implementing the spending review.

EDUCATION

Academies

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many Academy Orders he has agreed in relation to academies planning to open in September 2010.

Nick Gibb: holding answer 6 September 2010
	On the 26 May 2010, the Secretary of State invited schools to register their interest in becoming an academy. Following registration schools applied to convert to an academy and once applications were approved they were published on the Department's website at:
	www.education.gov.uk/academies
	A list of all Academy Orders that have been approved is also available on the website.

Arts: Curriculum

Stephen McPartland: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent assessment he has made of the content of the creative curriculum in primary schools; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: A January 2010 Ofsted report into 'Learning: creative approaches that raise standards' was generally positive in its findings across the schools visited.
	We are reviewing the National Curriculum, for both primary and secondary schools, to restore it to its original purpose - a core national entitlement organised around subject disciplines. A slimmed down National Curriculum will allow schools more freedom and time to build on the core entitlement to provide a rich educational experience for all their pupils and to continue to use their professional judgement to organise teaching as they see fit.
	The Government want every child to experience a solid cultural education including learning an instrument and to sing. On 24 September the Secretary of State asked Darren Henley of Classic FM to hold a review of music education and, as part of his recommendations due before the end of the year, to indicate how the delivery of music education can show the way for cultural education.

Building Schools for the Future Programme

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pursuant to his answer to question 16 in oral evidence to the Select Committee on Education on 30 July 2010, HC 395-i, which  (a) local authorities and  (b) hon. Members have sent him a letter to thank him for ending Building Schools for the Future.

Nick Gibb: The Department for Education is able to provide information on the number of items of correspondence received on a specific subject but is unable to provide information on specific correspondence content.
	However a significant proportion of correspondence received supports the Government's decision to end the Building Schools for the Future programme.

Building Schools for the Future Programme: Bolton

David Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what criteria were used to select for cancellation the new school building projects under the Building Schools for the Future programme in Bolton.

Nick Gibb: The Department has announced that Building Schools for the Future (BSF) projects that have reached Financial Close will continue, together with repeat projects which have Outline Business Case approval prior to 1 January 2010. All projects that have not reached Close of Dialogue will stop with immediate effect.
	On 6 August the Department announced that 33 sample school projects will proceed and the 44 academies at the most advanced stage in their capital planning with Partnerships for Schools will also receive capital now. Decisions on any capital allocations for a further 75 will be decided in the current period.
	Bolton has submitted its Outline Business Case to Partnerships for Schools, but this has not yet been approved. This will affect the plans for Bolton BSF projects as follows:
	Bolton St Catherine's Academy: Unaffected-project continuing
	Essa Academy: Unaffected-project continuing
	Kearsley Academy: Decision on any capital allocation to be taken in the next few months
	Bolton Muslim Girls School: Stopped
	Ladybridge High School: Stopped
	Little Lever Specialist Language College: Stopped
	Rumworth Special School: Stopped
	Sharples School: Stopped
	Smithills: Stopped
	Westhoughton High: Stopped.

Free Schools

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will publish the business case and costings presented to his Department by the New Schools Network.

Nick Gibb: holding answer 6 September 2010
	A copy of the business case presented to the Department by the New Schools Network (NSN) has been placed in the House Libraries.
	Certain redactions have been made to the business case in line with exemptions under sections 43 and 36 of the Freedom of Information Act.

Free Schools

Edward Balls: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 
	(1)  what the 62 applications for free school projects were that his Department had received by 27 July 2010;
	(2)  if he will publish each written agreement between his Department and the New Schools Network;
	(3)  pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 6 September 2010,  Official Report, column 4WS, on pupil place planning, on what date his Department received each of the 16 applications for free school status.

Nick Gibb: holding answer 13 September 2010
	We will make available information about successful proposals once we have made the decision on whether to progress the proposal to the next stage of the development process. Further details about the first 16 approved applications will be published shortly on the Department's website at:
	www.education.gov.uk/freeschools
	The dates each of these 16 proposals was received are in the table.
	The Department is currently working out the details of its written agreement with the New Schools Network.
	
		
			  Date proposal received  Proposal 
			 18 June 2010 The West London Free School 
			 22 June 2010 Stour Valley Community School 
			 9 July 2010 Wormholt North Hammersmith Free School (ARK) 
			 16 July 2010 Mill Hill Jewish Primary School 
			 21 July 2010 Discovery New School 
			 26 July 2010 Haringey Jewish Primary School 
			 26 July 2010 I-Foundation 
			 27 July 2010 St Luke's School Ltd 
			 10 August 2010 King's Science Academy 
			 10 August 2010 Nishkam Education Trust 
			 12 August 2010 The Childcare Company 
			 27 July 2010 Bedford and Kempston Free School 
			 26 August 2010 Rivendale Free School 
			 27August 2010 North Westminster Free School (ARK) 
			 28 June 2010 The Free School Norwich 
			 30 June 2010 Priors Marston and Priors Hardwick School Ltd

GCSE: Disadvantaged

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many and what proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals attained  (a) five GCSEs at A* to C grades and  (b) five GCSEs including English and mathematics at A* to C grades in the latest period for which figures are available.

Nick Gibb: In 2009 there were 74,419 pupils(1) eligible for free school meals at the end of key stage 4. 48.9% (36,368) of these pupils achieved five GCSEs at A* to C grades and 26.6% (19,778) achieved five GCSEs including English and mathematics at A* to C.
	The provisional figures for 2010 are due to be published in the statistical first release 'GCSE Attainment by Pupil Characteristics, in England 2009/10 (Provisional)' in December 2010.
	(1) These figures relate to GCSEs and equivalent examinations. They cover all pupils in maintained schools in England, including CTCs and academies at the end of key stage 4. The figures are based on final data.

History: GCSE and CGE A-level

Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 
	(1)  how many and what proportion of pupils of each ethnicity eligible for free school meals achieved a grade C or above in  (a) history GCSE and  (b) history A-level in the most recent 12 months for which figures are available;
	(2)  how many pupils of each ethnicity were entered for  (a) a history GCSE and  (b) a history A-level in the last 12 months for which figures are available; and how many were eligible for free school meals.

Nick Gibb: The information requested is given in the following tables:
	
		
			  Number and percentage of pupils of each ethnicity eligible for free school meals who achieved a grade C or above in History GCSE or History A-level in 2009 
			   GCSE  A Level 
			   FSM  Non-FSM  FSM  Non-FSM 
			  Ethnic grouping  Number  Percent  Number  Percent  Number  Percent  Number  Percent 
			 African 509 11.4 1,638 19.3 40 6.0 174 7.7 
			 Any other Asian background 139 14.0 932 18.1 12 4.4 91 5.6 
			 Any other black background 47 6.5 308 15.7 5 7.1 37 8.4 
			 Any other ethnic group 231 11.5 755 18.4 18 5.0 120 9.9 
			 Any other mixed background 101 9.5 1,097 23.0 9 6.5 179 12.6 
			 Any other white background 253 10.6 2,965 20.6 32 9.1 621 14.6 
			 Bangladeshi 286 10.3 556 17.2 25 4.8 58 7.2 
			 British 3,078 6.4 90,944 22.0 282 7.8 15,168 13.6 
			 Caribbean 116 6.7 782 12.5 9 4.7 95 7.9 
			 Chinese 47 22.5 485 23.5 5 6.7 76 7.7 
			 Gypsy/Roma 0 0.0 16 5.4 0 0.0 (1)- (1)- 
			 Indian 189 13.9 2,927 24.4 16 4.6 396 6.7 
			 Information not obtained 41 9.0 616 22.7 8 10.5 130 12.2 
			 Irish 29 9.9 544 32.9 5 15.2 148 21.2 
			 Pakistani 572 11.4 1,866 16.9 41 4.6 149 5.4 
			 Refused 48 9.0 879 22.8 9 11.7 172 13.3 
			 Travellers of Irish heritage (1)- (1)- (1)- (1)- 0 0.0 0 0.0 
			 White and Asian 53 10.9 804 29.1 6 8.5 121 12.7 
			 White and Black African 33 10.1 250 19.8 3 8.8 37 12.9 
			 White and Black Caribbean| 104 7.2 770 16.0 12 10.5 78 9.1 
			 ( 1)  Suppressed due to small numbers  Source:  National Pupil Database (NPD) 
		
	
	
		
			  Number of pupils of each ethnicity entered for History GCSE or a History A-level and number and percentage of whom were eligible for free school meals in 2009 
			   GCSE  A Level 
			FSM   FSM 
			  Ethnic grouping  Total  Number  Percent  Total  Number  Percent 
			 African 3,393 933 27.5 300 69 23.0 
			 Any other Asian background 1,528 216 14.1 127 14 11.0 
			 Any other black background 608 108 17.8 53 5 9.4 
			 Any other ethnic group 1,462 387 26.5 172 29 16.9 
			 Any other mixed background 1,749 208 11.9 221 11 5.0 
			 Any other white background 4,727 503 10.6 807 45 5.6 
			 Bangladeshi 1,375 550 40.0 114 40 35.1 
			 British 142,684 8,129 5.7 20,047 447 2.2 
			 Caribbean 1,699 276 16.2 147 15 10.2 
			 Chinese 631 62 9.8 87 6 6.9 
			 Gypsy/Roma 40 9 22.5 (1)- (1)- (1)- 
			 Indian 4,043 322 8.0 530 22 4.2 
			 Information not obtained 974 98 10.1 181 10 5.5 
			 Irish 742 49 6.6 196 6 3.1 
			 Pakistani 4,150 1,124 27.1 273 65 23.8 
			 Refused 1,391 99 7.1 230 12 5.2 
			 Travellers of Irish heritage 7 (1)- (1)- 0 0 0.0 
			 White and Asian 1,120 93 8.3 147 7 4.8 
			 White and Black African 423 69 16.3 47 4 8.5 
			 White and Black Caribbean 1504 243 16.2 130 14 10.8 
			 ( 1)  Suppressed due to small numbers  Source:  National Pupil Database (NPD). 
		
	
	The GCSE figures relate to pupils at the end of Key Stage 4 in maintained schools only.
	The A level figures relate to students at the end of advanced level study in maintained schools and FE Colleges (including sixth form colleges).

History: Teachers

Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many secondary school teachers with a history specialism there were in each of the last five years.

Nick Gibb: The latest available information was published in Table 5.1.1 within the research report 'Secondary School Curriculum and Staffing Survey 2007', from the following web link:
	http://www.education.gov.uk/research/data/uploadfiles/DCSF-RR026.pdf
	The Secondary School Curriculum and Staffing Survey (SSCSS) was a survey which was carried out every four to six years. 2002 was the year prior to 2007 and the results of this were published in Table 24 within 'Statistics of Education: School workforce in England, 2003 edition (including teachers' pay for England and Wales)', available from the following web link:
	http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/VOL/v000443/index.shtml

New Schools Network

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 
	(1)  whether any officials from his Department will be seconded to the New Schools Network (NSN) during the period of his Department's contract with NSN;
	(2)  which Minister in his Department is responsible for his Department's contract with the New Schools Network; when the contract was agreed; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  whether there is a mechanism to ensure that the New Schools Network does not have any financial conflicts of interest relating to its work on behalf of his Department;
	(4)  whether any companies other than the New Schools Network tendered for his Department's contract for advice to potential free school providers.

Nick Gibb: There are currently no plans for officials to be seconded to New Schools Network (NSN). Lord Hill of Oareford is the Minister responsible for the policy on Free Schools. The formal grant agreement between the Department and NSN has not yet been finalised but it will include appropriate clauses on conflicts of interest and clear reporting requirements.
	There was no contract let for advice to potential Free School providers and therefore there were no tenders from other companies.

New Schools Network

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when his Department plans to respond to the requests made by Clifford Singer on 6 July 2010 under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 for the release of information relating to the New Schools Network.

Nick Gibb: We expect to answer Mr Singer's Freedom of Information requests shortly.

Pupil Numbers: Hounslow

Mary Macleod: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what estimate he has made of the number of primary and secondary school places required in  (a) the London Borough of Hounslow and  (b) Brentford and Isleworth constituency in the next five years.

Nick Gibb: It is the responsibility of each local authority to manage the supply and demand for primary and secondary school places in its area and secure a place for every child of statutory school age who wants one. Ministers play no role in deciding primary and secondary school provision in individual authorities and constituencies but the Department allocates capital funding to enable local authorities to provide sufficient school places.

Reading: Teaching Methods

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans he has to increase the uptake of the synthetic phonics method of teaching reading in primary schools.

Nick Gibb: We are committed to strengthening the teaching of reading in schools through systematic synthetic phonics. We have a wide range of plans in hand to promote this, and announcements relating to this area will be made in due course. Our aim is to ensure that no child who is capable of learning to read should leave primary education without a secure level of literacy.

Schools: Transport

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent representations he has received on school transport in rural areas; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: The Government have received four representations about school transport in rural areas: two in response to the 'Your Freedom', cross-Government consultation, launched by the Deputy Prime Minister in July; and two letters, one from a parent and one from a pupil.

Written Questions: Government Responses

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when he plans to answer question 12028, tabled on 23 July 2010, on the New Schools Network.

Nick Gibb: A response to the hon. Member has been issued today.

Written Questions: Government Responses

Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when he plans to respond to question 17883 on the Building Schools for the Future programme, tabled on 13 October 2010 for named day answer on 19 October 2010.

Nick Gibb: A response was issued to the hon. Member on 26 October,  Official Report, columns 284-285W.

BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS

Aimhigher Scheme

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has for the future funding of the Aimhigher scheme; and if he will make a statement.

David Willetts: The Government are considering the implications of the recent comprehensive spending review and the report from Lord Browne's Independent Review of Higher Education Funding and Student Finance. We will make an announcement about the future of Aimhigher shortly.

Anti-Semitism

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills who represents his Department on the cross-Government working group to tackle anti-Semitism; whether any changes in that representation are planned during the next six months; and if he will make a statement.

David Willetts: An official from the Department's Higher Education Directorate who covers policy on anti-Semitism as part of their remit attends the cross-Government working group. No changes are planned.

Broadband

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of the planned funding for broadband services in the Spending Review period will be allocated to  (a) conventional and  (b) superfast broadband services.

Edward Vaizey: The Government have made universal broadband a high priority and have allocated funding of £530 million over the lifetime of this Parliament to stimulate private sector investment to deliver the best superfast broadband network in Europe by 2015. The Department has not yet decided how the money should be allocated between conventional and superfast broadband services. Decisions will be informed by the responses to the Universal Service Commitment theoretical exercises run by Broadband Delivery UK over the summer and by the pilot projects announced by the Chancellor on 20 October.

Broadband

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the proportion of the population who will have access to 2 megabytes broadband by the end of 2010.

Edward Vaizey: The coalition Government have not made an estimate of the proportion of the population that will have access to a 2 Mbps service by the end of 2010. The Government have made universal broadband a high priority and has allocated funding of £530 million over the lifetime of this Parliament to stimulate private sector investment to deliver the best superfast broadband network in Europe by 2015.

Broadband

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking to ensure the availability of high-speed broadband to people living in rural areas; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Vaizey: The Government have made universal broadband a high priority and has allocated funding of £530 million over the lifetime of this Parliament to stimulate private sector investment to deliver the best superfast broadband network in Europe by 2015.

Broadband: Wales

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what timetable he has set for the proposed superfast broadband pilots in Wales.

Edward Vaizey: On 20 October the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in the spending review that there would be £530 million of funding for broadband rollout. He also announced the locations of the four superfast broadband pilot projects, which are situated in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, Herefordshire, Cumbria and North Yorkshire.
	While the pilots do not currently involve Wales, we are still in discussion with the Welsh Assembly Government and we hope that the Hereford Golden Valley Pilot could be extended to Wales.

Charity Research Support Fund

Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has for the future of the Charity Research Support Fund.

David Willetts: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 21 October 2010,  Official Report, column 866-67W, to the hon. Member for North Tyneside (Mrs Glindon).

Debts: Advisory Services

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many  (a) debt advice organisations and  (b) credit unions have been funded through the Financial Inclusion Fund in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Davey: There are around 250 debt advice organisations funded via the Financial Inclusion Fund (FIF) Face-to-Face Debt Advice project. Participants include Citizens Advice Bureaux and other independent advice agencies which are members of Advice UK
	The Department for Work and Pensions Growth Fund invests in the capacity of credit unions and other community finance organisations to offer access to savings, banking, insurance, budgeting and affordable credit services. Since 2006 144 credit unions and 14 other community finance organisations have received Growth Fund investment.
	My Department does not have any figures on The Debt Advice in Prisons project which is run by the Legal Service Commission.

Debts: Advisory Services

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the number of people who have been given advice on debt and benefits through organisations funded by the Financial Inclusion Fund in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Davey: In each of the last five years, the number of individuals receiving debt advice from the Financial Inclusion Funds (FIF) Face-to-Face Debt Advice project is as follows.
	
		
			  Financial years  Number 
			 2006/07 26,567 
			 2007/08 92,635 
			 2008/09 100,968 
			 2009/10 105,155 
			 2010 to 30 June 26,442 
			 Total 351,767 
		
	
	Many of these people will also receive advice on their benefits, but we do not require our projects to provide data on this.
	The Debt Advice in Prisons project run by the Legal Service Commission is also funded from FIF, but we do not have total figures for the number of clients advised under that project.

Debts: Students

Julian Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment his Department has undertaken of effects of levels of student debt on students' ability to obtain  (a) mortgages,  (b) small business loans and  (c) other loans.

David Willetts: Income contingent student loan borrowers are not required to pay back their loan until the April after they finish their course. Repayments are based on 9% of income above the threshold of £15,000 per annum (or monthly/weekly equivalent) and linked directly to a borrower's income and not the size of their loan.
	The Council for Mortgage Lenders advise that a student loan is very unlikely to materially impact on an individual's ability to get a mortgage. However, the reduction in net income may result in a commensurate reduction in the amount a mortgage lender is willing to lend. Any increase in the repayment threshold will increase the amount of net income available to borrowers.
	A student's ability to obtain a loan, such as a small business loan will depend on the bank or institution approached, and their terms and conditions.

Departmental Pay

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what allowances and payments in addition to salary were available to officials in his Department and its non-departmental public bodies in each year since his Department's inception; and what the monetary value was of payments and allowances of each type in each such year.

Edward Davey: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) was formed through a Machinery of Government (MoG) change that occurred in June 2009. The Department was created by merging the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS).
	As BIS was only created in June 2009 we have not yet had the opportunity to harmonise the allowances available to staff within this Department. The following list includes all of the allowances that are available within BIS but most of them are only claimed by a small proportion of staff. The allowances available to an individual member of staff are dependent on which of the former Departments they worked for.
	Night Duty Allowance
	Night Duty Officers Allowance
	Offshore Allowance
	On Call Allowance
	Standby Allowance
	Weekend Duty Press Officers
	Overseas Allowance
	Shift Disturbance
	Foreign Language Allowance
	Private Secretaries Allowance
	Supervisory Allowance
	Additional Housing Cost Allowance
	Cost of Living Addition
	Difficult Post Supplement
	Private Secretary
	Clothing Allowance
	Excess Fares
	Home Working Allowance
	Detached Duty
	Childcare Vouchers
	Extra Duty
	Childcare Expenses
	Long Service Awards
	The pay operations for both Departments were combined on 1 December 2009. The information provided in the following table includes payments made to all former BERR staff from 1 April 2009 until 30 November 2009 and payments made to all BIS staff from 1 December 2009 onwards. We regret that we are unable to provide details of payments made to former DIUS staff prior to 1 December 2009 as this could be done only at disproportionate cost.
	
		
			  BIS payments and allowances (other than salary) 
			  £ 
			   2009/10  2010/11 (to September) 
			 Additional Housing Costs 70,360 19,678 
			 Car Allowance 0 2,600 
			 Cost of Living Addition (Overseas) 64,384 43,731 
			 Difficult Post Supplement 1,285 703 
			 Private Secretary Allowance 12,233 10,426 
			 Clothing Allowance 2,614 437 
			 Excess Fares 48,490 29,014 
			 Homeworking Allowance 855 360 
			 Detached Duty 47,787 10,302 
			 Childcare Vouchers 28,837 41,452 
			 Extra Duty 41,576 15,451 
			 On Call, Stand By and Night Duty Allowance 116,839 61,234 
			 Childcare Expenses 1,328 768 
			 Long Service Award 1,000 500 
			 Total 437,588 236,658 
		
	
	No payments have been made for allowances that are in the list but do not appear in the table.
	The information for non-departmental public bodies is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much funding his Department  (a) allocated to the Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme for 2010-11 and  (b) plans to allocate to that scheme in 2011-12.

Mark Prisk: The Enterprise Guarantee will facilitate up to £700 million of additional bank lending in 2010-11 and up to £600 million in 2011-12. The Government do not provide upfront funding for EFG but pay out to lenders on claims on the guarantee where a loan defaults.
	However, the Government's liability is capped at a maximum of 9.75% of the overall portfolio, thus the maximise exposure to Government of the £700 million facility is almost £70 million, and of the £600 million facility almost £60 million.

Flexible Working

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will make it his policy to extend to all employees the right to request flexible working.

Edward Davey: The coalition Government have committed to extending the right to request flexible working to all employees. I plan to consult on this in due course.

Higher Education

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what his policy is on increasing the number of providers in the higher education sector; and if he will make a statement.

David Willetts: The Government want to make it easier for new providers who can offer excellent teaching and a high-quality experience for students to enter the higher education sector. However, this is one of a number of institutional issues in the wake of Lord Browne's independent review of higher education and student finance which requires thorough debate and consultation. We intend therefore to publish a Higher Education White Paper with detailed proposals to which experts from the sector can react, leading, subject to parliamentary time, to a Higher Education Bill in autumn 2011.

Higher Education

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what provision he plans to make for  (a) full-time and  (b) part-time students of a higher education institution in circumstances in which that institution (i) closes and (ii) is obliged to close a course after such students have begun a course of study.

David Willetts: The interests of the students, part time and full time, are always the main concern for the Government and the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) when an institution is in difficulty. HEFCE operates a support strategy and has a track record of managed transition that has successfully protected the interests of students over a long period. The Government are considering the report of the Browne review at present and agrees that students will need to be protected as the HE system moves towards a different funding model.
	On courses, institutions and not the Government are responsible for meeting their obligations to students, which would generally take the form of teaching out the remainder of the course for existing students or transfer to another institution, if a course for any reason was likely to close.

Higher Education: Disadvantaged

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he plans to take to ensure that universities admit more students from disadvantaged backgrounds whose qualifications meet university admissions requirements.

David Willetts: Admissions are a matter for universities as autonomous institutions.
	The coalition agreement recognises the need to attract a higher proportion of students from under-represented groups into higher education. This is one of the criteria against which we are judging the proposals of Lord Browne's Independent Review of Higher Education Funding and Student Finance. The Government have made clear their intention that access to higher education should be one the basis of ability, not ability to pay, and to this end we have already pledged £150 million to establish a new National Scholarship fund to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
	The Government also have a key role to help young people obtain the information they need to make appropriate choices about their futures, and to help them gain the necessary qualifications. Our vision for education, including how to give young people access to high quality, expert careers guidance so that they are able to make well informed and successful choices for education and work, will be set out in a Schools White Paper, which we intend to publish later in the autumn.

Higher Education: Females

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether he plans to carry out an equality impact assessment of the effects on women of the implementation of the recommendations of the Browne Review of higher education funding.

David Willetts: I refer my hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Erith and Thamesmead (Teresa Pearce) on 25 October 2010,  Official Report, column 135W.

Higher Education: Part-time Education

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what forecast he has made of the number of part-time students studying at universities in England in each of the next five years; and if he will make a statement.

David Willetts: We have no reliable basis to make such estimates. HEFCE-funded student places are allocated in full-time equivalent terms with the mix of students between full-time and part-time courses being an institutional decision. The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) will receive its annual grant letter for 2011-12 by January 2011. It will set out the number of funded places for that year. Plans for the longer term will be set out in the Higher Education White Paper this winter. We share Lord Browne's conclusion that we should extend the exemption from upfront fees to part-time students who have been unfairly discriminated against hitherto.

Higher Education: Private Sector

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what change he expects in the number of private providers of higher education in the next five years in the UK; and if he will make a statement.

David Willetts: The Government want to make it easier for new providers who can offer excellent teaching and a high-quality experience for students to enter the higher education sector. However, this is one of a number of institutional issues in the wake of Lord Browne's independent review of higher education and student finance which requires thorough debate and consultation. We intend therefore to publish a Higher Education White Paper with detailed proposals to which experts from the sector can react, leading, subject to Parliamentary time, to a Higher Education Bill in autumn 2011.

Institute for Fiscal Studies

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much his Department has spent on services provided by the Institute for Fiscal Studies in the last 24 months.

Edward Davey: During the period October 2008 to September 2010, the Department, and its predecessors, made payments totalling £160,735 to the Institute for Fiscal Studies.

Money Lenders: Crime

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many people have been assisted by teams established to tackle illegal money lending funded by his Department in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Davey: The Illegal Money Lending project has helped over 16,000 victims of loan sharks across the seven national teams established to tackle illegal money lending since 2004.

Money Lenders: Crime

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many convictions he estimates to have resulted from prosecutions for offences related to money lending initiated by teams established to tackle illegal money lending and funded by his Department in the last three years; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Davey: There have been 171 convictions from prosecutions initiated by illegal money lending teams across the regions since the start of the project in 2004.

Money Lenders: Crime

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much his Department has spent on teams established to tackle illegal money lending in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Davey: Since the first two pilots in Glasgow and Birmingham in 2004 and the national roll out of the project in 2007, BIS has provided funding of £22 million to teams established to tackle the problem of illegal money lending.

Money Lenders: Crime

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has for future funding from his Department of  (a) teams established to tackle illegal money lending,  (b) debt advice organisations and  (c) credit unions; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Davey: Decisions regarding further funding for  (a) teams established to tackle illegal money lending and  (b) debt advice organisations will not be taken until Departments have considered the implications of the Spending Review.
	Existing arrangements for funding credit unions through the Department for Work and Pensions Growth Fund are due to end on 31 March 2011. No firm plans beyond that date have been agreed.

Post Offices: Finance

John Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what his estimate is of the number of post office branches which derive more than  (a) 25 per cent.,  (b) 35 per cent.,  (c) 45 per cent. and  (d) 55 per cent. of their revenue from Royal Mail.

Edward Davey: I have asked Paula Vennells, the managing director of Post Office Ltd, to respond directly to the right hon. Member and a copy of her reply will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

Post Offices: Finance

John Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what organisations will be eligible to receive funding to support proposed investment in post offices; on what conditions; and for what purposes.

Edward Davey: It is envisaged that funding to support investment in post offices will be channelled through Post Office Ltd to post office operators. Detailed terms and conditions for this support have not yet been determined.

Post Offices: Finance

John Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the level of public subsidy required for the Post Office network beyond the 2010 Spending Review period to meet the commitment that no post offices will close.

Edward Davey: We have made no detailed estimate of the level of funding required for the post office network beyond the 2010 spending review period.
	Our expectation is that, as a result of the actions to be taken over the next four years, the level of public subsidy required will reduce over time.

Post Offices: Finance

John Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether the funding for post offices announced by him on 27 October 2010 is additional to his Department's settlement in the 2010 Spending Review.

Edward Davey: The funding announced for the post office network by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills on 27 October is included in the Department's settlement in the 2010 spending review.

Regional Development Agencies

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on the apportionment of residual liabilities of regional development agencies.

Mark Prisk: As BIS is sponsor Department for the regional development agencies both the Secretary of State and I have regular discussions with ministerial colleagues at the Department for Communities and Local Government on issues concerning the RDAs and other matters. The approach to handling RDA liabilities is set out in the Local Growth White Paper published on 28 October.

Regional Development Agencies: Closures

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the costs to his Department arising from liabilities of regional development agencies following their closure.

Mark Prisk: Subject to passage of the Public Bodies Bill now before Parliament, the RDAs are expected to close in March 2012. The extent of residual liabilities remaining at that point will depend on the progress made on asset transfer and disposal during the course of the next 18 months. It is not possible at present to estimate the extent of costs arising at that point.

Regional Development Agencies: Closures

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of the savings estimated to be made from the closure of regional development agencies by 2014-15 will be reallocated to his Department's programmes.

Mark Prisk: Funding for future departmental programmes in the Spending Review discussions was handled independently of the costs of closure of the regional development agencies. As set out in the Spending Review document, my Department will provide £200 million a year by 2014-15 to support manufacturing and business development.

Royal Mail: Edgworth

Jake Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will discuss with Royal Mail the continued provision of services  (a) in Edgworth, Rossendale and  (b) other small rural villages.

Edward Davey: The Government are committed to the provision of the six-day a week universal postal service throughout the UK at uniform, affordable prices and firmly believe it is an essential part of our society and economy.
	The primary objective of the Postal Services Bill is to protect this service. The Bill contains new and stronger protections around the service than is currently the case.
	The day-to-day provision and delivery of its services are an operational matter for Royal Mail and this is overseen by the regulator, Postcomm. Any concerns about services in specific areas should in the first instance be raised with the company.

Science: Finance

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what funding his Department plans to allocate for  (a) knowledge transfer,  (b) national academies,  (c) the Government Office for Science and  (d) capital expenditure from the science budget in 2011-12.

David Willetts: In the recent spending review the Chancellor announced that the Government will spend £4.6 billion on science and research programmes in each of the next four years within a ring-fenced budget. Capital and administration spending on science and research have not yet been decided.
	In the coming months, Ministers will make decisions on the balance of funding between research councils, HEFCE's research and knowledge transfer activities, the national academies and other programs. Detailed decisions on specific projects will be taken by funding bodies, in line with the Haldane Principle.

Science: Regional Planning and Development

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of expenditure channelled through regional development agencies by his Department was spent on support for science-based industry between 2007 and 2010.

Mark Prisk: The Department allocates budgets to regional development agencies. The agencies determine which projects to support, subject to the terms of the Accountability and Financial Framework and their delegated financial authorities. RDAs' investments have been guided by the regional economic strategy and their corporate plans. The Department does not hold details of individual projects supported by the RDAs within their delegated financial authorities.

Students: Fees and Charges

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the number of students who would pay all or part of their tuition fees from their own funds under the Browne Review proposals in each of the next five years; and if he will make a statement.

David Willetts: Future levels of tuition fees and support available to students from Government will depend on the response to the Browne review of Higher Education and Student Finance. This is a substantial report and we shall consult further on some of the more detailed proposals before making specific recommendations to Parliament, with a view to implementing the changes for students entering higher education in autumn 2012.

Students: Fees and Charges

Julian Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will put in place contractual arrangements to guarantee the  (a) level at which students will start paying back student debts and  (b) rate of interest to be charged over the 30-year life of a loan.

David Willetts: Currently all borrowers who receive a loan sign an undertaking on their application form which states that they will repay the lender any loans made to them with all and any interest, penalties and charges which apply. They also agree to provide the lender with all information required to ensure repayment. They sign to say that they have read and understood the booklet, "Student Loans; a guide to Terms and Conditions". This booklet clearly states that it provides information about the current terms of the loan and repayment and the regulations may change from time to time and this means the terms of the loan may also change.

Students: Finance

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will estimate the cost of means-testing parents of university students to determine student loan and student fee reduction eligibility in  (a) 2009-10,  (b) 2010-11 and  (c) 2011-12.

David Willetts: The total cost of processing student support applications for English students in the financial year 2009-10 was £38.3 million. We are not able to separately identify the cost of means testing household income to determine students' eligibility for support. The costs of processing applications in financial years 2010-11 and 2011-12 are not yet available.
	Fee loans are not subject to means testing and are available for eligible students undertaking designated full-time courses.
	Eligible full-time students are also entitled to apply for an up-front maintenance loan, 28% of which depends on their household income, and for a means-tested maintenance grant. Students who wish to apply for a maintenance loan but do not wish to provide their household income are entitled to apply for a non-means tested maintenance loan which is 72% of the maximum loan.

Technology and Innovation Centres

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills 
	(1)  what mechanisms are in place to attract private investment in the proposed technology and innovation centres;
	(2)  from what sources funding for the proposed technology and innovation centres will be drawn;
	(3)  what funding he plans to allocate to the proposed technology and innovation centres in each year of the Comprehensive Spending Review period.

David Willetts: The spending review will provide over £200 million of funding for technology and innovation centres over the next four years, and the annual breakdown of funding for these centres will be announced in due course.
	The centres will be based on the model proposed by Hermann Hauser and James Dyson, which sees core public sector funding leverage significant contract funding from the private sector, alongside grant funding from EU and national research programmes, which in turn leverage funding from the private sector.

UK Trade and Investment: Finance

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what funding he plans to allocate to UK Trade and Investment in each of the next five years; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Prisk: UKTI has three main funding streams: its own directly funded UKTI programme vote, and funding contained within the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).
	The planned funding in UKTI's own programme vote pays for front line activity including grants and business support services, and is set out in the spending review 2010 (SR10) settlement, reference CM7962, table A. 12. The net funding is:
	2011-12: £83 million
	2012-13: £79 million
	2013-14: £75 million
	2014-15: £72 million.
	UKTI's administration funding is ring-fenced with the BIS SR10 settlement and pays for front line and support staff based in the UK. The planned funding is:
	2011-12: £39 million
	2012-13: £38 million
	2013-14: £36 million
	2014-15: £33 million.
	UKTI's FCO funding is contained within the FCO vote, and the UKTI element is yet to be finalised. This funding pays for front line staff based overseas delivering key programmes.
	The funding covers the next four years of the SR10 period. UKTI has not been allocated funding beyond this four-year timeframe.

UK Trade and Investment: Manpower

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many staff were employed by UK Trade and Investment  (a) in total and  (b) to work on each industry sector in each of the last 10 years; how many of these were based (i) in the UK and (ii) overseas in each such year; what estimate he has made of the likely equivalent figures in each of the next five years; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Prisk: UKTI is not an employer in its own right; for the majority of its human resource requirements it draws on civil service staff employed by one or other of its two parent departments-the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). UKTI also has business people under contract to deliver UKTI services in the English regions.
	 Numbers of people working for UKTI
	
		
			   Total  Overseas  UK 
			 2010 1,935 1,280 655 
			 2009 1,980 1,300 680 
			 2008 1,900 1,240 660 
			 2007 1,820 1,260 560 
			 2006 1,915 1,290 625 
			 2005 2,250 1,540 710 
			 2004 2,305 1,600 705 
			 2003 2,350 1,640 710 
			 2002 2,165 1,515 650 
			 2001 2,225 1,530 695 
			  Notes:  1. The overseas figures are expressed as full-time equivalents: (FTE).  2. The figures for March 2008, 2009 and 2010 include staff in the Defence and Security Organisation (DSO) which transferred to UKTI under a Machinery of Government change in 2008.  3. All figures in the table are rounded to the nearest 5.  4. The figures for the UK do not include the people working in the UKTI English regional network, the large majority of which are business people under contract to deliver UKTI services. 
		
	
	 Sectors
	Many UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) front-line staff work with companies across a wide range of sectors and information on the number of staff employed on each sector is therefore not available. They have done so for the last 10 years though sector priorities have changed during that time.
	 The future
	UKTI's funding for next four years is set out in the spending review 2010. UKTI is currently working through detailed business planning processes, with both BIS and the FCO, to set out its future priorities. This will include sector priorities.

HEALTH

Abortion

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made of the effect of the Gillick ruling on abortion rates between December 1984 and October 1985; and if he will make a statement.

Anne Milton: As conceptions data files for 1984 and 1985 are archived, extracting this data to provide figures for this specific period could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	There was little difference on the number of conceptions, which led to an abortion for every 1,000 women aged 13 to 15 between 1984 and 1986. The rate was 4.8 in 1984, 4.8 in 1985 and 4.8 in 1986.
	Figures on conception are estimated based on the number of live births, stillbirths or legal abortions. Figures are based on the women's age at estimated date of conception. Figures for women under the age of 16 between 1984 and 1986 are given in the following table:
	
		
			   Number of conceptions  Resulting in maternity  Resulting in an abortion 
			 1984 9,700 4,300 5,400 
			 1985 9,400 4,200 5,200 
			 1986 9,200 4,200 5,000 
			  Source: Office for National Statistics 
		
	
	Annual abortion rates for the same period remained constant at 3.7 for women aged 16 and under, resident in England and Wales.
	For under 16s seeking an abortion, guidance from the Department emphasises that health professionals should discuss the benefits of the young woman involving her parents. Where she cannot be persuaded to do so, every effort should be made to find another adult to provide support, for example another family member or specialist youth worker.
	In 2005, the Department asked for a snapshot survey to be undertaken to look at the level of parental and other adult support for under 16s having abortions. The survey results showed a high level of parental involvement (around 65% ), and that only 5% did not have another adult provide support.

Accident and Emergency Departments

Anne-Marie Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the cost to the NHS of treating patients attending accident and emergency units in 2009-10.

Simon Burns: Information on the cost to national health service providers of treating patients attending accident and emergency units is collected annually as part of NHS reference costs. 2009-10 costs have not yet been published. Details of previous year's costs are available on the Department's website at
	www.dh.gov.uk/nhscosting

Accident and Emergency Departments: Greater London

David Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for the future of the accident and emergency department at the  (a) Whittington Hospital and  (b) North Middlesex Hospital in North London.

Simon Burns: It is the responsibility of the local national health service to plan and provide health services to meet local needs. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has outlined four tests that proposals for significant NHS service changes must now meet. Change must improve patient outcomes; consider patient choice; have support from general practitioner commissioners; and be based on sound clinical evidence. Local NHS organisations will need to make sure any plans for change meet these tests.

Acute Services

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which  (a) hospital trusts and  (b) primary care trusts have indicated their intention to undertake an acute services review which will involve reconfiguring services since May 2010.

Simon Burns: Responsibility for the design and organisation of local health services lies with the national health service locally. Therefore this information is available from the local NHS, not the Department.
	This Government are committed to devolving power to local communities; to the people, patients, general practitioners (GPs) and councils that are best placed to determine the nature of their local NHS services. The Government have pledged that, in future, all service changes must be led by clinicians and patients rather than driven from the top down.
	In May 2010, the Secretary of State for Health outlined new strengthened criteria that he expects decisions on NHS service changes to meet. Decisions must:
	focus on improving patient outcomes;
	consider patient choice;
	have support from GP commissioners; and
	be based on sound clinical evidence.
	The Department has asked the local NHS to look at how ongoing schemes meet these new criteria by the end of October 2010. Strategic health authorities will review the evidence provided to assure themselves that the four criteria are met. Any proposals for reconfiguration of services will also need to be assessed against the four criteria. We are clear that services should be driven by the need to improve patient outcomes.

Alzheimer's Disease: Public Expenditure

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost to the public purse has been of drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease in each of the last three years.

Paul Burstow: Drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease are classified in the British National Formulary, section 4.11 Drugs for dementia. The drugs are Donepezil, Galantamine, Rivastigmine and Memantine. These together with the unlicensed drug Idebenone, comprise the figures in the tables below. Figures are for the latest available three years.
	
		
			  Table 1: Community cost: Net ingredient cost (NIC) of prescription items written in the UK or the Isle of Man and dispensed in the community, in England 
			  £000 
			 2007 70,415.3 
			 2008 80,162.6 
			 2009 90,123.9 
			  Note:  NIC is the basic cost of a drug. It does not take account of discounts, dispensing costs, fees or prescription charges income. So urce:  Prescription Cost Analysis (PCA) system. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2: Hospital cost: Estimated cost of hospital usage in England 
			  £000 
			 2007 12,039.1 
			 2008 12,523.5 
			 2009 12,238.1 
			  Notes: 1. Figures based on a sample and costed using standard price lists, either the Drug Tariff or, if the drug is not listed, the drug manufacturer's price list. The figures therefore do not necessarily represent the actual amounts paid by the hospitals. 2. Data includes all drugs dispensed in NHS hospital regardless of patient, so will include drugs dispensed to private patients in private wards within NHS hospitals as long as they have been dispensed via the hospital pharmacy. The extent of this varies from hospital to hospital. S ource:  Hospital Pricing Audit Index (HPAI) database.

Ambulance Services: Bassetlaw

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when a performance review was last undertaken of the ambulance service in Bassetlaw; what reports were made on that review; who was informed of the outcomes of that review; and when he expects the next such review to be undertaken.

Simon Burns: The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of all health and adult social care in England, and licenses health and adult social care providers if they meet essential quality and safety standards. The CQC has registered and therefore licensed East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust to provide services.
	The latest published national health service performance framework data (quarter four 2009-10) shows that East Midlands Ambulance Service is rated as "Performing"-the highest rating a trust can achieve (the other ratings being "Performance under review" and "Underperforming"). This data was published in "The Quarter" on 14 October 2010 which has been placed in the Library, and is available on the Department's website at:
	www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsStatistics/DH_087335
	Quarter one 2010-11 results are scheduled be published in the week commencing 15 November 2010.
	It is for primary care trusts and strategic health authorities to work with NHS organisations to ensure they are providing an appropriate and improving level of high quality care for patients.

Arthritis: Health Services

Gordon Henderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment has been made of the  (a) standard and  (b) consistency of (i) ongoing and (ii) specialist care for rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Paul Burstow: It is currently the responsibility of primary care trusts as commissioners of health care services to ensure that their populations have access to the services that they require.
	In 2009, the Department developed a good practice commissioning pathway for inflammatory arthritis. This provides information to illustrate the type of services that could be commissioned and provided in different levels of care.
	The Department expects local health communities to be mindful of National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance when commissioning services for people with rheumatoid arthritis. A NICE commissioning guide, "Services for the diagnosis and management of rheumatoid arthritis in adults", was published in December 2009 to assist commissioners in implementing "NICE Clinical Guideline 79: the management of rheumatoid arthritis in adults" locally, including consideration of access to care for people with established rheumatoid arthritis.

Blood: Contamination

Phillip Lee: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 his Department has received on the contamination of NHS blood products during the 1970s and 1980s since the entry into force of the Act; and how many such requests  (a) were rejected,  (b) are outstanding,  (c) have been answered in part and  (d) have been answered in full;
	(2)  what requests under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 his Department has received on the contamination of blood products during the 1970s and 1980s; and if he will place in the Library a copy of each such request.

Anne Milton: The available information requested is contained in the following table:
	
		
			  Freedom of Information Requests 2005-10( 1) 
			   Number 
			 Rejected/withheld 8 
			 Outstanding 0 
			 Answered in part 13 
			 Answered in full 21 
			 Total 42 
			 (1) Data identified from the Department of Health correspondence database, and cover requests made from 1 January 2005 to 26 October 2010. 
		
	
	The Department will place a copy of these requests in the Library and also publish them in due course on the Department's website at:
	http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/FreedomOfInformation/Freedomofinformationpublicationschemefeedback/FOIreleases/index.htm

Breast Cancer: Screening

Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will take steps to encourage women over the age of 70 years to take part in breast cancer screening;
	(2)  if he will review the 50 to 70 age range for breast cancer screening with the aim of extending eligibility for such screening to women under the age of 50 years.

Paul Burstow: The Cancer Reform Strategy included the commitment that the NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHS BSP) would be extended to women aged 47 to 73. In June this year, we confirmed in the "Revision to the NHS Operating Framework 2010-11" that all local breast screening programmes should begin the extension in 2010-11. Based on the latest information, 14 of 82 local screening programmes have extended.
	Women over the age of 70 can request free three-yearly screening and should receive the leaflet "Over 70? You are still entitled to breast screening" to advise them of this fact when they leave the NHS BSP. NHS Cancer Screening Programmes has commissioned research to examine if more can be done to raise awareness of this right.
	The extension of breast cancer screening includes inviting women age 47-49, which will guarantee every woman her first breast screening invitation by the time she is 50. NHS BSP has undertaken research into screening women under 50. This research, the 'Age Trial' began in 1991, screening women from the age of 40 and 41. The results, published in December 2006, did not suggest that screening from this age would have a significant impact on the number of deaths from breast cancer. The women who participated in this trial continue to be followed up.

Cancer: Drugs

Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what date he plans to establish the Cancer Drugs Fund; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Burstow: The Cancer Drugs Fund will be established from 1 April 2011 providing an additional £200 million a year for cancer drugs over the next three years. On 27 October we launched a three month consultation on the operation of the Cancer Drugs Fund. The consultation document has already been placed in the Library and is available on the Department's website at:
	www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Liveconsultations/DH_120834

Care Homes: Inspections

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average interval is between  (a) Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections of a care home and  (b) an inspection and the publication on the CQC website of the final report of that inspection.

Paul Burstow: The following information has been provided by the Care Quality Commission.
	Under the Care Standards Act 2000 the average number of days between the most recent two inspections of care homes up to 1 October 2010 was 336 days, (this figure includes annual service reviews which are not site visits but are desk based reviews/assessments).
	The average number of days between the most recent two key inspections of care homes up to 1 October 2010 was 527 days.
	The average number of days between the end of the site visit for care homes and the publication of the most recent key inspection report up to 1 October 2010 was 69 days.
	These figures are based on care homes which were registered under the Care Standards Act 2000 as at 30 September 2010.
	The new system under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 was introduced for care homes on 1 October 2010. It is too early to provide meaningful figures.

Care Homes: Inspections

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many of the inspection reports on care homes on the Care Quality Commission website were produced prior to November 2008.

Paul Burstow: The following information has been provided by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
	CQC holds 119,347 adult social care reports published prior to November 2008. All these reports are available via the CQC website at:
	http://caredirectory.cqc.org.uk/caredirectory/searchthecaredirectory.cfm

Care Homes: Regulation

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many care homes the Care Quality Commission regulates.

Paul Burstow: The following information has been provided by the Care Quality Commission (CQC):
	At 30 September 2010 there were a total of 18,075 adult social care homes registered with the CQC under the Care Standards Act 2000.
	Updated figures under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 will be available in due course.

Carers: Voluntary Organisations

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made of the contribution of voluntary organisations to support for carers; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Burstow: Many carers and former carers are leaders and key players in voluntary organisations and their experience and knowledge is invaluable. This Government value the contribution and innovative work of the voluntary sector, both nationally and locally. 'Building a Stronger Civil Society Strategy' sets out how government will support charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises to maximise the opportunities arising from the power shift from central Government to local services, that underpins the Government's agenda.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he plans to bring forward proposals to establish an independent scientific committee to oversee research on myalgic encephalopathy; and if he will make a statement.

David Willetts: I have been asked to reply.
	The Medical Research Council (MRC) is one of the main agencies through which the Government support medical and clinical research. The MRC is a non-departmental public body which receives its grant in aid from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
	MRC established, in 2008, an expert group to advise it on research into chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalopathy (CFS/ME). The Government have no plans to set up a group to oversee this type of research.

Dementia: Medical Treatments

Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received on the inappropriate prescription of anti-psychotic drugs for dementia patients.

Paul Burstow: Inappropriate prescribing of antipsychotic medication for people with dementia is completely unacceptable. Antipsychotics should only be prescribed when they are absolutely necessary. We have received representations from a range of interested parties about this issue since it was first raised. The Government are committed to achieving overall a two-thirds reduction in the use of these drugs by November 2011.
	This is a key priority as signalled in the new outcomes focused implementation plan for the National Dementia Strategy, which was published on 28 September. Professor Burns, the Department's national clinical director for dementia, is leading this work. He is supported by an advisory group, which includes representation from across health, social care, the independent sector and relevant national organisations.

Dental Services

Kevin Barron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the number of dental  (a) practice advisers and  (b) consultants in dental public health required to commission dentistry for local populations;
	(2)  what discussions he has had with consultants in dental public health on the implications for them of his Department's White Paper 'Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS';
	(3)  what role dental practice advisers will have in commissioning dentistry under the proposals in his Department's White Paper 'Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS'.

Simon Burns: The White Paper 'Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS' refers to creation of a NHS Commissioning Board and a new Public Health Service, to integrate and streamline existing health improvement. The NHS Commissioning Board will take on responsibility for commissioning national health service primary dental services, whilst the primary care trusts' (PCTs) responsibilities for local health improvement will transfer to local authorities.
	Local authorities will employ the Director of Public Health jointly appointed with the Public Health Service. To discharge their functions and responsibilities, both the Public Health Service in local authorities and dental service commissioners will need appropriate advice and input from dental public health consultants, dental practice advisers and their teams, working with local clinicians.
	There have been no direct discussions between Ministers and the United Kingdom consultants in dental public health group but departmental officials have met with the group on a regular basis. The group has also formally responded to the White Paper consultation and their views will be taken in to consideration.
	The 'Improving oral health and dental outcomes: Developing the dental public health workforce in England' report recommends a half time appointment for a consultant in dental public health and two sessions per week for a dental practice adviser as best practice within each organisation PCTs. In light of the White Paper proposals, we may need to reconsider estimates once the new commissioning arrangements become clear.

Dental Services

Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether any new commissioning body will continue the practice of withholding money from dental surgeries which do not accept NHS patients.

Simon Burns: A dental practice which is not willing to accept any national health service patients will have no entitlement to an NHS contract or payment for NHS services.

Dental Services: Fees and Charges

Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on charging for NHS dental care at the point of delivery; and if he will make a statement.

Simon Burns: We think it reasonable to continue the long standing policy that those who can afford it should make a contribution to the cost of national health service dental care. Children, pregnant and nursing mothers, and adults on certain benefits or low incomes do not have to pay charges.

Depression: Autism

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  whether he has made a recent estimate of the proportion of parents being treated for depression whose children are on the autistic spectrum;
	(2)  if he will take steps to help parents on medication for depression and stress whose children are on the autistic spectrum to have respite care; and what estimate he has made of the provision of such care in 2011-12.

Paul Burstow: This Government recognise that breaks from caring is very important for carers in terms of the sort of support they want-carers have reiterated this in their response to our recent call for views on what our key priorities should be over the next four years. We are currently updating the previous Government's Carers Strategy and this will be published before the end of the year and will remind health and social care services in England of the importance of breaks to all carers, including carers of children with autism.
	No formal estimate has been made specifically on the proportion of parents being treated for depression whose children are on the autistic spectrum. The Government are committed towards improving the lives of both individuals with autism and their families, and recognise the importance of providing more support to families and carers to achieve this goal.
	Additionally, more and more people across England are getting access to psychological therapies for the most common mental health problems, including depression. About 140 new psychological therapy services are now up and running around the country and by March 2011 60% of primary care trusts will have an improving access to psychological therapies service, meaning many more people suffering from depression will be seen in these services.

Doctors: Foreign Workers

Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he plans to bring forward proposals to amend legislation implementing the appropriate EU directives so as to allow the administration of a language test to medical professionals qualified in other EU member states who wish to practice in the UK.

Anne Milton: Current domestic legislation provides for employers and contracting bodies to be able to undertake checks on the language knowledge of all doctors, including European Economic Area doctors, which can include administering a test.
	The Department is discussing Directive 2005/35/EC with the General Medical Council.
	The terms of the Directive are to be reviewed in 2012 and the Government will be providing evidence to the Commission ahead of the review.

Doctors: Manpower

Anne-Marie Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many  (a) F1,  (b) F2,  (c) ST1 and (d) ST3 category doctors are currently working in hospitals in (i) Devon and (ii) Cornwall.

Simon Burns: The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the following table:
	
		
			  Hospital and Community Health Services: Medical and dental doctors in training within selected organisations, as at 30 September 2009 
			  Headcount 
			   Doctors in training  Registrar group  Senior house officer  Foundation  year 2  House officer and foundation year l 
			 Plymouth Teaching Primary Care Trust (PCT) 16 16 (1)- (1)- (1)- 
			 Devon PCT (1)- (1)- (1)- (1)- (1)- 
			 Cornwall and Isles of Scilly PCT 1 (1)- 1 (1)- (1)- 
			 South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust 195 117 3 38 37 
			 Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust 94 64 (1)- 11 19 
			 Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust 280 155 21 50 54 
			 Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust 311 209 23 39 40 
			 Cornwall Partnership NHS Trust 18 18 (1)- (1)- (1)- 
			 Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust 478 374 5 51 48 
			 Devon Partnership NHS Trust 31 31 (1)- (1)- (1)- 
			 Torbay Care Trust (1)- (1)- (1)- (1)- (1)- 
			 (1) denotes zero  Source: The NHS Information Centre for health and social care (Medical and Dental Workforce Census)

Drugs: Rehabilitation

Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of people who commenced a continuous  (a) methadone and  (b) buprenorphone/subutex prescription of (i) 12 to 24, (ii) 24 to 48 and (iii) 48 months or more in each year since 2005.

Anne Milton: The National Drug Treatment Monitoring System (NDTMS) collects information on the number of people receiving substitute prescribing interventions for substance misuse in England, but does not distinguish between methadone and other drugs such as buprenorphine which are also recommended for the treatment of drug misuse by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).
	The National Treatment Agency took over full responsibility for managing NDTMS in 2004-05. Only the annual data from 2005-06 onwards are considered robust enough to provide detailed information about individual treatment journeys. This means that 2009-10 was the first year that robust data for those in treatment for four years or more are available.
	NICE recommends that substitute prescribing should always be accompanied by psychosocial interventions.
	In addition, "Drug Misuse and Dependence: UK Guidelines on Clinical Management" (2007), a copy of which has already been placed in the Library, state that any decision to maintain a patient on long-term prescribing should be an active one agreed between the clinician and patient, reviewed at regular intervals, and part of a broader programme of care-planned social and psychological support.
	The following table gives a breakdown of the number of people in treatment for opioid dependency, showing how long they have been continuously receiving substitute prescribing.
	
		
			   Less than 12 months  1-2 years  2-3 years  3-4 years  4 years+  Unknown time in treatment  Total 
			 2009-10 58,773 28,947 18,045 12,747 35,120 n/a 153,632 
			 2008-09 61,900 26,862 17,611 13,492 - 30,121 149,986 
			 2007-08 58,659 25,946 17,886 - - 36,228 138,719 
			 2006-07 53,859 25,323 - - - 43,659 122,841 
			 2005-06 54,693 - - - - 55,681 110,374 
			  Source: NDTMS.

General Social Care Council

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment he has made of the performance of the General Social Care Council.

Paul Burstow: Assessment is an ongoing process. A senior official has been nominated to act as sponsor of the General Social Care Council (GSCC) with overall responsibility for oversight of its performance. The Department holds quarterly accountability meetings with the GSCC.
	In June 2009, the GSCC notified the Department that a backlog of conduct referrals had been identified. An independent report by the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (CHRE) identified significant failings in the conduct function of the organisation and made recommendations for improvement. From September 2009 to April 2010, the Department held monthly accountability meetings with GSCC. The Department consider that GSCC has made progress to address these public protection issues.
	On 26 July the Government announced that they intended to abolish the GSCC and transfer its regulatory functions to the Health Professions Council, which will be renamed to reflect its additional responsibilities. We believe that this presents the best way to ensure fair, consistent and proportionate regulation fully independent of Government.

Health Services: Public Expenditure

Hywel Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effects of the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review effect on the capacity of local healthcare providers to meet the healthcare needs of  (a) carers and  (b) disabled people; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Burstow: The Government announced that they would protect health care spending in the spending review. Together with an ambitious programme on efficiency, releasing up to £20 billion of annual efficiency savings over the next four years, this funding will enable the national health service to meet rising demands while improving outcomes. Primary care trusts will be able to prioritise spending to support particular groups according to local need, including carers and disabled people.

Health Services: Wakefield Prison

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will assess the standard of healthcare provided in HM Prison Wakefield to Mr David Kenyon, PC7235 BI-23, a constituent of the hon. Member for Torbay; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Burstow: Details of individuals are confidential. However, I will write to the hon. Member privately.
	In line with the 2006 transfer of commissioning for healthcare in prisons to the national health service, all complaints or concerns about the standard of care received should be dealt with via the NHS complaints procedure.

Health Services: West Sussex

Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effect on accountability of the NHS of his proposals for decision-making in local NHS services in Crawley and West Sussex.

Simon Burns: The White Paper, 'Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS', sets out our vision of a national health service where providers are autonomous and accountable to local commissioners and the patients they serve, rather than being subject to bureaucratic controls. As a result, the NHS will be more accountable for the results it achieves and patients and the public will have greater power to hold healthcare professionals and providers to account. The NHS will also have greater local democratic legitimacy through a new role for local authorities in promoting integration between local NHS services, social care and health improvement.

Healthy Schools Programme: Expenditure

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much his Department spent on the promotion of the Healthy Schools Programme in each year since its inception.

Anne Milton: The Department of Health and Department for Education jointly fund the Healthy Schools Programme. The amount spent on promotion in the last five years is set out in the following table.
	
		
			   £ 
			 2006-07 132,200 
			 2007-08 49,285 
			 2008-09 40,120 
			 2009-10 83,470 
			 2010-11 0 
		
	
	For the period 1999 to March 2006, there was no central expenditure on the promotion of the Healthy Schools Programme. The figures are based on central funding for advertising, conference/exhibition attendance and paid for marketing.

Hepatitis

Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  whether he plans to propose the introduction of pilots for hepatitis C screening, early diagnosis and treatment in his forthcoming public health White Paper;
	(2)  whether he plans to include proposals on hepatitis C in his proposed public health White Paper.

Anne Milton: Later this year, the Department will set out a radical new approach to public health in a White Paper focused on protecting the public from health threats (such as infectious diseases and environmental hazards), improving the healthy life expectancy of the population, and improving the health of the poorest, fastest. This will include consultation on particular aspects of the new system such as how outcomes will be measured.
	Professor Martin Lombard, national clinical director for liver disease, is currently leading the Department's programme of work to address liver disease in England, of which hepatitis C is a factor. The Department will then hold a public consultation on proposals.

Hepatitis

Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he plans to publish a funded hepatitis C action plan.

Anne Milton: Professor Martin Lombard, national clinical director for liver disease, is currently leading the Department's programme of work to address liver disease in England, of which hepatitis C is a factor. The Department will then hold a public consultation on proposals.

Hepatitis

Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department plans to take to  (a) (i) collect and (ii) monitor data on the prevalence of hepatitis C over the next 24 months and  (b) identify those with the disease who have not yet presented any symptoms.

Anne Milton: The Health Protection Agency (HPA) collects, monitors and publishes data on the prevalence of hepatitis C in individuals having diagnostic tests, in injecting drug users attending specialist services and in blood donors. This surveillance will continue when the HPA's functions are transferred into the new public health service within the Department.
	Since January 2010, the Department has established a number of working groups, which include clinicians and patient representatives, to support the national health service in developing a response to the rising trend in liver disease. As part of this programme, led by Professor Martin Lombard, national clinical director for liver disease, the Viral Hepatitis Cross Cutting Group has been asked to look at the prevalence of hepatitis C and how the NHS can improve the detection and diagnosis of hepatitis C.

Hospitals: Food

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to increase the proportion of domestically produced food supplied to hospitals under contracts negotiated by NHS Supply Chain.

Simon Burns: For NHS Supply Chain in 2008-09, the proportion of domestically produced food used (by value), of food that can be produced in the United Kingdom was 100% for bakery, eggs, milk, cheese and whole potatoes and more than 70% for roots, onions, brassicas, poultry, beef/veal, bacon and pork.
	Under public sector procurement rules, NHS Supply Chain is prohibited from placing a geographical restriction on the origin of food in any food procurement exercise. UK producers can of course compete for any contract tendered by NHS Supply Chain.

Hospitals: Infectious Diseases

Simon Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of hospital-acquired infection were recorded in each NHS trust in each of the last five years.

Simon Burns: Information on all healthcare associated infections is not collected centrally. Tables showing data for all healthcare associated infections reported under the mandatory surveillance scheme have been placed in the Library:
	Glycopeptide-resistant enterococci (GREs) bloodstream infections in acute national health service trusts in England for the five 12-month periods (October 2004 to September 2009);
	Trust-apportioned(1) Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infections reported in acute NHS trusts in England for the last two financial years (2008-09 and 2009-10);
	All MRSA bloodstream infections reported in acute NHS trusts (including cases acquired outside of hospitals) in England for the last five financial years (2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10);
	Trust apportioned(1) Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) in people aged two years and over reported in acute NHS trusts in England for the last three(2) financial years (2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10);
	All Clostridium difficile infections in people aged two years and over reported in acute NHS trusts (including cases acquired outside of hospitals) in England for the last three(2)( )financial years (2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10);
	All Clostridium difficile infections in people aged 65 years and reported in acute NHS trusts (including cases acquired outside of hospitals) in England for the last five financial years (2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10); and
	Surgical site infections (selected orthopaedic procedures) reported in acute NHS trusts in England for the five financial years (2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10).
	 Notes:
	(1) By calculating the elapsed time between a patient's admission date and the reported specimen date, the data capture system now allows for indirect identification of cases that may have been acquired within the reporting trust. This became possible for CDI from April 2007, and for MRSA from April 2008.
	(2) In April 2007, mandatory surveillance of CDI was expanded from just those aged over 65 to everyone two years and over.

Hospitals: Mortuaries

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which hospitals in England with acute services have no mortuary.

Simon Burns: This information is not collected centrally.

Liver Diseases: Health Services

Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to issue his Department's liver strategy.

Simon Burns: Professor Martin Lombard, national clinical director for liver disease is currently leading work with the national health service and public health specialists to ensure that our response to the rising demand for liver disease services is evidence based, and that we also work to improve the quality and productivity of services. We expect that first formal proposals will be published for consultation in 2011.

Maternity Services

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many non-elective interventions were made by consultants in maternity departments in each hospital in 2009.

Anne Milton: Information is not available in the format requested.
	The following table shows the number of finished consultant episodes (FCEs) in 2009-10 by hospital provider, where the method of admission was non-elective, where there was an operating procedure or intervention and where the main speciality was obstetrics. A FCE is a continuous period of admitted patient care under one consultant within one health care provider.
	It should be noted that FCEs do not represent the number of patients, as a person may have more than one episode of care within the same stay in hospital or in different stays in the same year.
	
		
			  A count of finished consultant episodes (FCEs)( 1)  where the method of admission( 2)  was not elective, where there was any main operating procedure or intervention( 3) , and where the main speciality( 4)  was obstetrics, by hospital providers for 2009-10-Activity in English NHS Hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector 
			  Hospital provider  2009-10 
			 England 365,317 
			   
			 Airedale NHS Trust 9 
			 Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust 2,935 
			 Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust 4,858 
			 Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 1,235 
			 Barts and the London NHS Trust 334 
			 Basingstoke and North Hampshire NHS Foundation Trust 327 
			 Bedford Hospital NHS Trust 47 
			 Birmingham Treatment Centre 0 
			 Birmingham Women's NHS Foundation Trust 7,776 
			 Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 1,900 
			 Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 1,712 
			 Bromley Hospitals NHS Trust 0 
			 Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust 592 
			 Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 3,508 
			 Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust 1,503 
			 Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 4,093 
			 Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 5,604 
			 Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 5,862 
			 Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 1,025 
			 City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust 3,455 
			 Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust 7 
			 Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 3,401 
			 County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust 5,103 
			 Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust 3,071 
			 Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 1,791 
			 Derbyshire County PCT 0 
			 Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 910 
			 Ealing Hospital NHS Trust 1,496 
			 East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust 5,451 
			 East Cheshire NHS Trust 1,061 
			 East Kent Hospitals University NHS Trust 3,012 
			 East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust 4,399 
			 Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust 4,265 
			 Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust 2,009 
			 George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust 391 
			 Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2,827 
			 Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2,912 
			 Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust 3,824 
			 Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust 1,902 
			 Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust 11,631 
			 Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2,718 
			 Hereford Hospitals NHS Trust 2,151 
			 Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust 162 
			 Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 3,287 
			 Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 2,317 
			 Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust 6,323 
			 Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust 277 
			 James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2,464 
			 Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 3,379 
			 King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 2,297 
			 Kingston Hospital NHS Trust 6,098 
			 Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 4,389 
			 Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust 7,263 
			 Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust 8,473 
			 Luton and Dunstable Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 3,613 
			 Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust 121 
			 Mayday Healthcare NHS Trust 3,899 
			 Medway NHS Foundation Trust 238 
			 Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2,987 
			 Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust 692 
			 Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust 2,378 
			 Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 3,461 
			 Milton Keynes hospital NHS Foundation Trust * 
			 Newham University Hospital NHS Trust * 
			 Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 1,515 
			 North Bristol NHS Trust 4,886 
			 North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust 3,293 
			 North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust 206 
			 North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust 3,662 
			 North West London Hospitals NHS Trust 3,895 
			 Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust 622 
			 Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust 616 
			 Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 1,533 
			 Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust 3,194 
			 Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust 5,786 
			 Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust 1,342 
			 Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust 10,491 
			 Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 3,438 
			 Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust 4,963 
			 Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 3,213 
			 Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust 3,391 
			 Queen Elizabeth Hospital NHS Trust 0 
			 Queen Mary's Sidcup NHS Trust 0 
			 Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust 2,978 
			 Royal Bolton Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 0 
			 Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust 0 
			 Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust 1,286 
			 Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust 1,622 
			 Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Trust 2,356 
			 Royal West Sussex NHS Trust 0 
			 Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust 1,670 
			 Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust 0 
			 Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust 3,253 
			 Scarborough and North East Yorkshire Health Care NHS Trust 1,354 
			 Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2,904 
			 Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 621 
			 Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust 1,475 
			 South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust 1,574 
			 South London Healthcare NHS Trust 11,038 
			 South Staffordshire PCT * 
			 South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust 3,144 
			 South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust 1,591 
			 Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust 3,848 
			 Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 1,398 
			 St George's Healthcare NHS Trust 1,088 
			 St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals NHS Trust 4,616 
			 Stockport NHS Foundation Trust 2,098 
			 Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust 1,441 
			 Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust * 
			 The Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 4,855 
			 The Hillingdon Hospital NHS Trust 3,010 
			 The Lewisham Hospital NHS Trust 3,492 
			 The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 6,246 
			 The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust 2,174 
			 The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHS Trust 1,713 
			 The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust 996 
			 The Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust 4,051 
			 The Whittington Hospital NHS Trust 484 
			 Trafford Healthcare NHS Trust 1,000 
			 University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 5,236 
			 University Hospital of North Staffordshire NHS Trust 4,671 
			 University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust 1,224 
			 University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust 4,554 
			 University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust 2,566 
			 University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust 5,171 
			 University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust 0 
			 Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust 3,599 
			 Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 27 
			 West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust 4,878 
			 West Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust 4,504 
			 West Suffolk hospitals NHS Trust 1,726 
			 West Sussex PCT * 
			 Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust 1,390 
			 Whipps Cross University Hospital NHS Trust 1,653 
			 Wiltshire PCT * 
			 Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust 0 
			 Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 5,049 
			 Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust 2,477 
			 Worthing and Southlands Hospitals NHS Trust 0 
			 Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust 3,282 
			 Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 309 
			 York Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2,334 
			  Notes: 1. Finished Consultant Episode (FCE) A finished consultant episode (FCE) is a continuous period of admitted patient care under one consultant within one health care provider. FCEs are counted against the year in which they end. Figures do not represent the number of different patients, as a person may have more than one episode of care within the same stay in hospital or in different stays in the same year. 2. Method of Admission We have defined non-elective admissions by the following admission method codes: 21: Emergency-via A and E services, including casualty department of provider 22: Emergency-via General Practitioner (GP) 23: Emergency-via Bed Bureau, including Central Bureau 24: Emergency-via consultant out-patient clinic 28: Emergency-other means, including patients who arrive via A and E department of another HC provider 31: Maternity-where baby was delivered after mother's admission 32: Maternity-where baby was delivered before mother's admission 81: Transfer of any admitted patient from another hospital provider 82: Other-babies born in HC provider 83: Other-babies born outside HC provider, except when born at home as intended 98: Not applicable (e.g. other maternity event) 99: Not known 3. Main procedure The first recorded procedure or intervention in each episode, usually the most resource intensive procedure or intervention performed during the episode. It is appropriate to use main procedure when looking at admission details, (e.g. time waited), but a more complete count of episodes with a particular procedure is obtained by looking at the main and the secondary procedures. 4. Consultant Main Specialty The specialty under which the consultant responsible for the care of the patient at that time is registered. Take care when analysing HES data by specialty, or by groups of specialties (such as "acute"). Trusts have different ways of managing specialties and attributing codes so it is better to analyse by specific diagnoses, operations or other patient or service information. Main speciality of obstetrics 501-Obstetrics for patients using a hospital bed or delivery facilities 5. Hospital Provider A provider code is a unique code that identifies an organisation acting as a health care provider (e.g. NHS trust or PCT). Hospital providers can also include treatment centres (TC). Normally, if data are tabulated by health care provider, the figure for an NHS trust gives the activity of all the sites as one aggregated figure. However, in the case of those with embedded treatment centres, this data is quoted separately. In these cases, '-X' is appended to the code for the rest of the trust, to remind users that the figures are for all sites of the trust excluding the treatment centres. The quality of TC returns are such that data may not be complete. Some NHS trusts have not registered their TC as a separate site, and it is therefore not possible to identify their activity separately. Data from some independent sector providers, where the onus for arrangement of dataflows is on the commissioner, may be missing. Care must be taken when using these data as the counts Small numbers To protect patient confidentiality, figures between one and five have been replaced with "*" (an asterisk). Where it was still possible to identify numbers from the total an additional number (the next smallest) has been replaced. Data quality Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) are compiled from data sent by more than 300 NHS trusts and primary care trusts (PCTs) in England and from some independent sector organisations for activity commissioned by the English NHS. The NHS Information Centre for health and social care liaises closely with these organisations to encourage submission of complete and valid data and seeks to minimise inaccuracies. While this brings about improvement over time, some shortcomings remain.  Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), The NHS Information Centre for health and social care

Multiple Sclerosis

George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of people with multiple sclerosis, including those not diagnosed; how much the NHS has spent on treating multiple sclerosis in each of the last 10 years; and from what sources such figures are derived.

Paul Burstow: The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence estimated, in 2003, that the number of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in England and Wales at between 52,000 and 62,000. The numbers of those with undiagnosed multiple sclerosis is not collected.
	Information on the expenditure for treating those with multiple sclerosis is not collected.

Muscular Dystrophy

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he plans to take to improve care and assistance for people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Burstow: It is the responsibility of health and care professionals, working in conjunction with patients and their families, to arrange the most appropriate health and social care for those living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The National Service Framework for long-term conditions (NSF) provides an overview how this care should be provided. The 11 quality requirements of the NSF are compatible with more condition specific standards of care, such as the international TREAT-NMD recommendations for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
	In future, outcomes, which the national health service will be expected to achieve, will be set via the NHS Outcomes Framework, and the NHS Commissioning Board will hold general practitioner commissioners to account for delivery through the framework.

National Treatment Agency: Finance

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the budget for the National Treatment Agency  (a) was in 2009 and  (b) will be in each of the next three years.

Anne Milton: Details of the National Treatment Agency's (NTA) accounts are published in their annual report each year and copies for 2008-09 (HC579) and 2009-10 (HC89) are available in the Library. The NTA's budget for 2010-11 have been published in their business plan and a copy of this has been placed in the Library. The budget for 2011-12 have yet to be decided, and from 2012-13, the NTA will be incorporated into the Public Health Service.

NHS: Lobbying

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which NHS bodies have  (a) subscribed to and  (b) funded organisations with an objective of influencing public policy in each of the last five years; and how much has been paid to each such organisation in each such year.

Simon Burns: The Department collects accounting data from national health service organisations through:
	the audited summarisation schedules; and
	the financial returns.
	The audited summarisation schedules primarily collect data required by the Department to fulfil its statutory accounting requirements, and the financial returns provide an additional lower level breakdown of this data.
	Neither collection contains data on whether NHS bodies have subscribed to and/or funded organisations with an objective of influencing public policy.

NHS: Local Government

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what functions of his Department have been transferred to local authorities since May 2010; what functions he plans to transfer to local authorities in the next 12 months; and what estimate he has made of the likely savings to his Department as a result of such transfers in each of the next three years.

Simon Burns: No functions of the Department have transferred to local authorities since May 2010. The White Paper 'Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS' proposed a stronger role for local authorities in supporting joined up working across health and social care and primary care trusts (PCTs) current responsibilities for public health improvement would transfer to local authorities. The responses to consultations related to the white paper are currently being analysed, so no final decisions have yet been taken. The Government intend to bring detailed proposals before Parliament later this year in a Health Bill.

NHS: Sick Leave

Simon Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the  (a) sickness absence rate and  (b) estimated cost to the NHS of sickness absence was in each NHS trust in each of the last five years.

Simon Burns: Information is not available in the form requested. The NHS Information Centre publishes quarterly figures on NHS sickness absence drawn from the national health service electronic staff record. Between April 2009 and March 2010, the average sickness absence rate for the NHS in England was 4.38%. The latest NHS Information Centre publication (October 2010) shows the rate of NHS sickness absence (April to June 2010) as 3.89%. However, there is a seasonal element to sickness absence. The Boorman Review of NHS Health and Well-being (November 2009), reported an estimated annual rate of 4.5%.
	Individual pay information is not held centrally, and is held locally at trust level. It is therefore not known how many staff are on paid or unpaid sickness. However, the Boorman Review, estimated that reported levels of sickness absence results in a loss of 10.3 million days per year, equivalent to 45,000 whole time equivalent staff and an estimated annual direct cost of £1.7 billion.

NHS: Telephone Services

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many call centres based outside the UK the NHS uses.

Simon Burns: NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS), which provides business support services to the national health service operates two call centres in India, located in Pune and Noida. These call centres only handle inquiries from internal NHS clients and do not take calls from patients or the public. The Department does not hold information about the remainder of the NHS.

North West Strategic Health Authority: Redundancy

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the redundancy costs which will be incurred as a result of the decision to abolish  (a) the North West Strategic Health Authority and  (b) Warrington Primary Care Trust.

Simon Burns: The White Paper 'Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS' set out proposals for fundamental changes to the way that the national health service is structured and run. The precise costs, at both national and local level, of any redundancies that will be incurred as a result of the decision to abolish the strategic health authorities and primary care trusts are not yet known, though efforts will be made to minimise the number and cost of redundancies.
	Four consultations relating to how the new organisations should be designed specifically covering "transparency on outcomes, liberating the NHS: local democratic legitimacy in health and commissioning for patients and regulating healthcare providers" have recently closed and once the results of these have been analysed, we will publish the costs of the new system in an impact assessment.

Organs: Donors

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many organs were donated in each of the last 10 years.

Anne Milton: The number of organs donated in each of the last 10 years is shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Number of organs donated in the United kingdom, 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2010 
			  Financial year  Organs from deceased donors  Organs from living donors  Total 
			 2000-01 3,455 372 3,827 
			 2001-02 2,999 386 3,385 
			 2002-03 2,768 397 3,165 
			 2003-04 2,785 472 3,257 
			 2004-05 2,680 485 3,165 
			 2005-06 2,689 599 3,288 
			 2006-07 2,861 702 3,563 
			 2007-08 2,947 858 3,805 
			 2008-09 3,252 961 4,213 
			 2009-10 3,375 1,062 4,437 
			 Total 29,811 6,294 36,105

Organs: Donors

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he plans to take to increase the number of people registered as organ donors; and if he will make a statement.

Anne Milton: There are a range of ongoing activities to promote organ donation. In autumn 2009, NHS Blood and Transplant launched a UK-wide public awareness campaign to encourage more people to join the Organ Donor Register (ODR), and to discuss their wishes in relation to organ donation with family members. NHS Blood and Transplant also work in partnerships with the national health service, commercial and third sector organisations to support local events around the country or national initiatives such as joining the ODR when registering with a doctor, or applying for a driving license.
	The Organ Donation Taskforce believed that by implementing the recommendations in their report "Organs for Transplant" published in January 2008, organ donor rates can increase by 50% by 2013 which would enable around 1,200 extra transplants every year.
	Steady improvement is being made. During 2009-10, organ donor rates increased to nearly 20% over the baseline year of 2007-08. Our aim is to see organ donor rates continue to rise this year allowing many more people to benefit from a life saving or life enhancing transplant.

Pharmaceuticals

George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what criteria the National Institute for Clinical Excellence uses to determine which pharmaceuticals may be funded to treat extremely rare conditions; and if he will provide funding from the Cancer Drugs Fund for the provision of mifamurtide for the treatment of osteosarcoma.

Paul Burstow: Following the referral of a topic to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), technology appraisal guidance is developed in accordance with NICE'S published process and methods guides which are available on NICE'S website at:
	www.nice.org.uk/aboutnice/howwework/devnicetech/technologyappraisalprocessguides/technology_ appraisal_process_guides.jsp
	Funding for specific drugs from the £50 million interim cancer drugs funding made available in the current financial year is a matter for the local clinically-led regional panels based on the advice of cancer specialists.
	The Cancer Drugs Fund will be established from 1 April 2011 providing an additional £200 million a year for cancer drugs over the next three years. On 27 October we launched a three month consultation on the operation of the Cancer Drugs Fund. A copy of the consultation document has been placed in the Library and is available on the Department's website at:
	www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Liveconsultations/DH_120834

Primary Care Trusts: Manpower

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many full-time equivalent staff were employed by primary care trusts  (a) on 20 September 2009 and  (b) on the most recent date for which figures are available.

Simon Burns: The annual national health service work force census shows that at 30 September 2009 there were 207,833 full-time equivalent staff employed by primary care trusts. The latest monthly NHS Hospital and Community Health Service workforce statistics in England show that in July 2010 there were 205,985 full-time equivalent staff employed by primary care trusts.

Primary Care Trusts: Negligence

Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the financial value of compensation payments was to patients for clinical malpractice in each primary care trust in each year since 2000.

Simon Burns: The NHS Litigation Authority (NHSLA) supplied the information requested in tables which have been placed in the Library.
	The NHSLA administers schemes, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Health, that assist members with clinical negligence claims. All primary care trusts (PCTs) are members. Before April 2002, one of the schemes operated by the NHSLA operated 'excess' levels where trusts, rather than the NHSLA, handled and settled claims below the excess level. Neither the Department nor the NHSLA holds data on claims valued below 'excess'. Additionally, PCTs were introduced on a rolling basis from April 2000, with full coverage from October 2002. Data covering years before April 2003 is therefore not comparable with data covering years from April 2003 onwards.
	The NHSLA report that no payments were made on behalf of PCTs in the year 2000-01.

Primary Health Care: Finance

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of his Department's funding in real terms for primary healthcare in  (a) 2011-12,  (b) 2012-13,  (c) 2013-14 and  (d) 2014-15.

Simon Burns: Future revenue resource funding for the Department was set out as part of spending review 2010. The national health service will receive funding of £102.6 billion/£105.2 billion/£108.2 billion/£111.1 billion in years 2011-12 up to 2014-15 (see table A10 of statistical annex to the spending review); a cumulative real growth of 1.4% over the four years.
	Work is currently ongoing to determine the disposition of this funding including the amount in primary care trust (PCT) allocations. Having set PCT allocations, final decisions on funding growth for primary, community and secondary care are made locally.

Primary Health Care: Finance

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of his Department's capital funding for primary health care providers in  (a) 2011-12,  (b) 2012-13,  (c) 2013-14 and  (d) 2014-15.

Simon Burns: Future capital funding for the Department was set out as part of spending review 2010. The national health service will receive funding of £4.4 billion/£4.4 billion/£4.4 billion/£4.6 billion in years 2011-12 up to 2014-15 (see Table A6 of statistical annex to the spending review).
	Discussions remain ongoing over the disposition of this funding between the different health sectors. Final decisions on the level of capital expenditure in primary and secondary care are determined locally.

Recruitment

Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many staff his Department plans to  (a) recruit and  (b) transfer to new duties as a result of implementation of proposals for the reform of those non-departmental public bodies within his Department's area of responsibility; and how many redundancies he expects to result from the implementation of those proposals.

Simon Burns: The reforms to the Department's Executive non-departmental public bodies were announced in the report of "The Arm's Length Bodies Review", published in July 2010. Further work is under way, to plan for implementation of the reforms, before estimates can be made of staff transfers and redundancies, and of the costs entailed.

Reducing Cancer Inequality: Evidence

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what progress has been made on the implementation of the recommendations of his Department's report on Reducing cancer inequality: evidence, progress and making it happen; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what steps he is taking to address age inequalities in outcomes for cancer patients;
	(3)  if he will commission research into ageism in the treatment of cancer patients; and if he will make a statement;
	(4)  what assessment he has made of research by his Department into ageism in cancer treatment; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Burstow: The NHS Constitution makes clear that a core duty of the national health service is to promote equality, and the Cancer Reform Strategy (CRS) made this a priority for NHS cancer services.
	Progress on the recommendations in the report, "Reducing cancer inequality: evidence, progress and making it happen", which was published by the National Cancer Equality Initiative (NCEI) in March this year, will be reported in the review of the CRS which is currently under way. The report will be published in the winter.
	The NCEI report identified the need for further research around age inequalities in three areas: firstly, to look at why the reduction in mortality in older people is slower than for younger people and slower compared to other countries; secondly, to examine to what extent poor patient health and patient choice contribute to poorer outcomes; and finally, to look at how effective pre-treatment health assessments would be in reducing adverse outcomes in health inequalities.
	Through the National Institute for Health Research, the Department funds a significant amount of cancer research. At this time, we are aware of a research application to the NIHR that intends to examine issues around outcomes for older breast cancer patients.
	The Department is working with Macmillan Cancer Support on a jointly funded project that aims to improve appropriate intervention rates for people over 70 who have a cancer diagnosis. The pilot programme aims to identify, test and evaluate ways to assess an older person for cancer treatment; to provide practical support and information to aid patient/practitioner decision making; and to train professionals involved in the pathway to promote age equality and address age discrimination.
	It is anticipated that the pilot projects will run for a 12 month period with the pilots taking place between May 2011 and April 2012. We will then evaluate whether the approaches tested can have a positive impact on intervention and mortality rates for older people.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Expenditure

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the National Health Service spent on treatment of sexually transmitted diseases in  (a) males and  (b) females under 16 years of age in each of the last five years for which information is available.

Anne Milton: The Department does not collect information on national health service expenditure on treating sexually transmitted infections broken down by age and sex of patients.

Social Services: Finance

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the likely size of transfer of funds from the health care budget to fund local authority social care as a result of the 2010 spending review.

Paul Burstow: The spending review set out that, over the spending review period, an additional £3.8 billion will be made available within the national health service to be spent on measures that support social care. The profile, in each of the years from 2011-12 to 2014-15 is as follows: £0.8 billion/£0.9 billion/£1.1 billion/£1.0 billion.

Social Services: Finance

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he plans to take to ensure that funds transferred from health care budgets to local authority social care are spent on social care.

Paul Burstow: In order to support social care, the national health service will transfer some funding from the health capital budget to health revenue, to be spent on measures that support social care, which also benefits health. Further details about this support will be published alongside the 2011-12 NHS Operating Framework.

Social Services: Finance

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what correspondence he has received from  (a) local authority leaders,  (b) councillors with lead responsibility for social care and  (c) local authority directors of social services on the likely effects on the provision of social care of the outcomes of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

Paul Burstow: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has received no correspondence of this nature since the comprehensive spending review was announced on 20 October 2010.

Social Services: Finance

Dave Watts: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effect of reductions in local authority social care funding on the level of service provided by such authorities to disabled individuals and their families.

Paul Burstow: The coalition Government have allocated an additional £2 billion by 2014-15 to support the delivery of social care. This means, with an ambitious programme of efficiency, that there is enough funding available both to protect people's access to services and deliver new approaches to improve quality and outcomes. We expect that this will benefit all users of social care services, including people with disabilities and their families.

Streptococcus: Babies

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what steps his Department has taken to inform  (a) relevant health professionals and  (b) pregnant women of the symptoms and prevention of group B streptococcus infections in babies;
	(2)  what guidelines his Department issues to NHS trusts on preventing Group B Streptococcal infection in newborn babies.

Anne Milton: Current guidance for obstetricians, midwives and neonatologists is provided by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), which published its Green-top guideline No. 36 on the prevention of early-onset neonatal Group B Streptococcus disease in November 2003. In 2005, the RCOG, in collaboration with the National Screening Committee, established a national audit to evaluate practice in United Kingdom obstetric units against the recommendations of the guideline. The audit published in January 2007, reported that current practice followed the established patterns of care described in the RCOG guideline.
	The Department supports the Standards for Maternity Care published by the RCOG in 2008, which state that maternity services should comply with evidence-based guidelines for the provision of high-quality clinical care.
	The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence clinical guidelines for routine antenatal care, published in 2008, recommends that pregnant women should not be offered routine antenatal screening for Group B Streptococcus because evidence of its clinical and cost-effectiveness remains uncertain.
	Information for women on Group B Streptococcus is contained in "The Pregnancy Book"-a guide to a healthy pregnancy, labour and childbirth, and life with a new baby, which is given to all pregnant women. Information is also available on the NHS Direct website at:
	www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
	and NHS Choices website at:
	www.nhs.uk
	Women who are concerned about Group B Streptococcus infection are advised to talk to their doctor or midwife.

Streptococcus: Babies

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what steps are being taken by his Department to increase levels of compliance with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists' guidelines on preventing Group B Streptococcal infection in newborn babies;
	(2)  what guidance his Department issues to health professionals on implementation in maternity units of the guidelines issued by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists for preventing Group B Streptococcus infection in newborn babies.

Anne Milton: We encourage the national health service to take into account the guidance for obstetricians, midwives and neonatologists provided by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), which published its Green-top guideline No.36 on the prevention of early-onset neonatal Group B Streptococcal disease in November 2003. In 2005, the RCOG, in collaboration with the National Screening Committee, established a national audit to evaluate practice in United Kingdom obstetric units against the recommendations of the guideline. The audit published in January 2007, reported that current practice followed the established patterns of care described in the RCOG guideline.
	The Department supports the Standards for Maternity Care published by the RCOG in 2008, which state that maternity services should comply with evidence-based guidelines for the provision of high-quality clinical care.

Streptococcus: Pregnancy

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what measures he uses to ensure that high-quality information on group B streptococcus is given to all pregnant women as a routine part of their antenatal care;
	(2)  if he will take steps to ensure that pregnant women are informed about Group B Streptococcus as part of their antenatal care.

Anne Milton: Information for women about Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is contained in 'the Pregnancy Book'-a guide to healthy pregnancy, labour and childbirth, and life with a new baby, which is given to all pregnant women. Information is also available on the NHS Direct www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk and NHS Choices www.nhs.uk websites. Women who are concerned about GBS infection are advised to talk to their doctor or midwife.

Streptococcus: Pregnancy

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department issues to strategic health authorities on the provision of tests to pregnant women for Group B Streptococcus infection.

Anne Milton: The Department does not issue guidance to strategic health authorities on the provision of tests to pregnant women for group B streptococcus (GBS) infection.
	Current guidance for obstetricians, midwives and neonatologists is provided by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), which published its Green-top guideline No. 36 on the prevention of early-onset neonatal GBS disease in November 2003.
	The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence clinical guidelines for routine antenatal care, published in 2008, recommends that pregnant women should not be offered routine antenatal screening for GBS because evidence of its clinical and cost effectiveness remains uncertain.

Strokes: Health Services

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he made of the health outcomes in respect of each of his Department's performance indicators for emergency stroke admissions in each hospital in the latest period for which figures are available.

Simon Burns: There is sound evidence that admittance to a stroke unit is the single, most effective intervention for people who have had a stroke to achieve the best possible outcomes.
	The Vital Sign for stroke measures the number of people who are admitted to hospital following a stroke who then spend 90% or more of their time on a stroke unit; and the number of transient ischaemic attack cases with a higher risk of stroke who are subsequently assessed and treated within 24 hours in an out-patient setting. The data are published on the Department's website at:
	www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Statistics/Performancedataandstatistics/Vitalsignsmonitoring/DH_112528
	Copies of the two documents have been placed in the Library.
	The quarter two figures will be available on this website on 17 November 2010.
	The NHS Information Centre does not hold the data requested. Health Episode Statistics does not hold information on outcomes.

Strokes: Health Services

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to ensure that patients admitted to hospital following a stroke are placed in a specialist stroke unit.

Simon Burns: The National Stroke Strategy and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence Quality Standard for Stroke are clear that people with stroke should receive an early multi-disciplinary assessment and have prompt access to a high-quality stroke unit. To reflect this, the Best Practice Tariff for stroke incentivises direct admission to a stroke unit and access to timely brain imaging, and the Tier 1 Vital Sign for stroke measures the proportion of patients who spend at least 80% of their time in hospital on a stroke unit. The Accelerating Stroke Improvement Programme, which is supported by the Department, the Stroke Improvement Programme and the stroke networks, is aimed at making further improvements across the stroke care pathway including ensuring that the majority of patients are treated in stroke units.

Strokes: Health Services

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to improve the availability of continuous non-invasive physiological monitoring for patients admitted to hospital following an acute stroke.

Simon Burns: Intensive physiological monitoring in the early phase of a stroke is important in identifying and supporting early treatment that can halt stroke progression and minimise the degree of brain damage. All acute stroke units should provide high-dependency care including physiological monitoring. The National Stroke Strategy and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence quality standard set out the elements of high quality care. It is for the national health service to ensure that these standards are met, including provision of access to good stroke care out of hours and at week ends. Support is available to implement improvements to acute care from the Stroke Improvement Programme and the stroke networks.

Strokes: Health Services

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he plans to take to encourage the training of more stroke specialist registrars.

Simon Burns: In order to support the implementation of the National Stroke Strategy, the Department provided funding over the last three years to train more stroke specialist physicians. Central funding has been provided for the training of 26 junior doctors and a further tranche will undergo training this year. It is for local national health service organisations to plan and deliver a workforce appropriate to the needs of their local population based on clinical need and sound evidence.

Strokes: Health Services

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received on improving access to specialist early stroke-supported discharge teams.

Simon Burns: The Accelerating Stroke Improvement Programme, which is supported by the Department, the Stroke Improvement Programme and the stroke networks, is aimed at making further improvements across the stroke care pathway including concentrating effort on the introduction of high quality, early supported discharge across the country so that all stroke survivors who can benefit have access to it. The Accelerating Stroke Improvement Programme was developed in response to Committee of Public Accounts report, "Progress In Improving Stroke Care", which concluded, among other things, that not enough hospitals arrange early supported discharge for stroke patients, even though it provides better outcomes for many patients and can save money.

Swine Flu: Vaccination

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of the vaccines and anti-virals purchased in preparation for the swine flu pandemic were not used.

Anne Milton: The proportion of H1N1 influenza vaccine held centrally for the United Kingdom is 51% of the quantity procured. Part of this stock (8 million doses, representing 18% of the total quantity procured) has date expired or is close to date expiry. H1N1 influenza vaccines continue to be used as recommended in the 2010-11 seasonal influenza immunisation programme.
	Antivirals were purchased as part of our overall planning for influenza preparedness rather than being purchased specifically for the H1N1 pandemic. We continue to hold antiviral stockpiles for over 50% of the population as part of our preparedness planning for the next influenza pandemic.

Thromboembolism

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of  (a) venous thromboembolism characterised by (i) deep vein thrombosis and (ii) pulmonary embolism,  (b) MRSA and  (c) clostridium difficile were recorded in patients in NHS facilities in each of the last five years.

Simon Burns: There is currently no single definition of venous thromboembolism (VTE) available in the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) system used to classify diseases. Therefore, we have provided data on deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in the following table.
	Patients treated by their general practitioner or as out-patients are not included. Some DVTs manifest themselves as PE. This means that a number of the patients who have been diagnosed with PE will also have been diagnosed with a DVT. It would not be advisable to sum the number of episodes for PE and DVT because of the potential for double-counting.
	
		
			  Count of finished consultant episodes( 1)  with a main or secondary diagnosis( 2)  of DVT and PE, 2004-05 to 2008-09, England( 3) 
			   Finished consultant episodes by diagnosis( 4) 
			   DVT( 5)  
			   All relevant ICD codes  ICD-10 I 80.2  PE( 6) 
			 2004-05 59,695 46,303 40,059 
			 2005-06 63,373 48,952 43,360 
			 2006-07 61,459 46,257 46,685 
			 2007-08 61,050 46,031 49,114 
			 2008-09 62,066 46,786 56,029 
			 (1) A finished consultant episode (FCE) is a continuous period of admitted patient care under one consultant within one health care provider. FCEs are counted against the year in which they end. Figures do not represent the number of different patients, as a person may have more than one episode of care within the same stay in hospital or in different stays in the same year.  (2) The information is the number of episodes where this diagnosis was recorded in any of the 20 (14 from 2004-05 to 2006-07) primary and secondary diagnosis fields in a Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) record. Each episode is only counted once, even if the diagnosis is recorded in more than one diagnosis field of the record.  (3) Activity in English national health service hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector.  (4) Counts for the different diagnoses shown are not necessarily mutually exclusive and therefore summing the different diagnoses is not possible (e.g. a patient may have a DVT and a PE in a single episode, and would be counted once in each relevant column-double counting would occur if the values were summed).  (5 )Diagnosis is recorded in HES using ICD-10 codes. ICD-10 code I80.2 is used for a diagnosis of DVT where there is no further information on the site of the thrombosis. However DVT may also be recorded under a number of different codes, although these codes may also include cases which are not considered deep. The full list of relevant ICD-10 codes is as follows: I80.0 Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of superficial vessels of lower extremities I80.1 Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of femoral vein I80.2 Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of other deep vessels of lower extremities I80.3 Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of lower extremities, unspecified I80.8 Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of other sites I80.9 Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of unspecified site O22.2 Superficial thrombophlebitis in pregnancy O22.3 Deep phlebothrombosis in pregnancy O87.0 Superficial thrombophlebitis in the puerperium O87.1 Deep phlebothrombosis in the puerperium.  (6) Pulmonary embolisms are coded as I26.0 (Pulmonary embolism with mention of acute cor pulmonale) and I26.9 (Pulmonary embolism without mention of acute cor pulmonale).  (7) Assessing growth through time: HES figures are available from 1989-90 onwards. Changes to the figures over time need to be interpreted in the context of improvements in data quality and coverage (particularly in earlier years), improvements in coverage of independent sector activity (particularly from 2006-07) and changes in NHS practice. For example, apparent reductions in activity may be due to a number of procedures which may now be undertaken in out-patient settings and so no longer included in admitted patient HES data.   Source:  Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), The NHS Information Centre for health and social care. 
		
	
	The following table shows the total number of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infections (bacteraemias) reported by English NHS acute trusts under the mandatory surveillance scheme, for each of the last five financial years. However, this number will include infections acquired outside of NHS facilities.
	
		
			  MRSA bacteraemia reports, all English NHS acute trusts 
			   Number 
			 2005-06 7,096 
			 2006-07 6,383 
			 2007-08 4,451 
			 2008-09 2,935 
			 2009-10 1,898 
			 Total 22,763 
		
	
	The following table shows the number of these MRSA bacteraemias apportioned to acute trusts for the two years that figures are available(1).
	(1) By calculating the elapsed time between a patient's admission date and the reported specimen date, the data capture system now allows for indirect identification of cases that may have been acquired within the reporting trust. This became possible for CDI from April 2007, and for MRSA from April 2008.
	
		
			  MRSA bacteraemia reports , all English NHS acute trusts 
			   Number 
			 2008-09 1,606 
			 2009-10 1,003 
			 Total 2,609 
		
	
	The following table shows the total number of Clostridium difficile infections reported by English NHS acute trusts under the mandatory surveillance scheme, in patients aged 65 years and over, for each of the last five financial years. This is broken down into those aged two years and over and two to 64 years for the three years that figures are available. However, this number will include infections acquired outside of NHS facilities.
	
		
			  Clostridium difficile infection reports, all English NHS acute trusts 
			  Number 
			   2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09  2009-10  Total 
			 Patients aged 65+(1) 51,981 55,930 45,439 28,784 20,192 202,326 
			 Patients aged 2 to 64 - - 10,059 7,311 5,412 22,782 
			 All patients aged 2+ - - 55,498 36,095 25,604 117,197 
			 (1) In April 2007, mandatory surveillance of CDI was expanded from just those aged over 65 to everyone two years and over. 
		
	
	The following table shows the number of these Clostridium difficile infections apportioned to acute trusts in all patients aged two years and over, for the three years that figures are available(1).
	(1) By calculating the elapsed time between a patient's admission date and the reported specimen date, the data capture system now allows for indirect identification of cases that may have been acquired within the reporting trust. This became possible for CDI from April 2007, and for MRSA from April 2008.
	
		
			  Clostridium difficile infection reports, all English NHS acute trusts 
			   Number 
			 2007-08 33,442 
			 2008-09 19,927 
			 2009-10 13,195 
			 Total 66,564

Thromboembolism

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of treating in NHS facilities patients who have suffered a venous thromboembolism characterised by  (a) phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of femoral vein,  (b) phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of other deep vessels of lower extremities,  (c) phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of unspecified lower extremities,  (d) phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of unspecified site,  (e) embolism and thrombosis of unspecified vein,  (f) pulmonary embolism with mention of acute cor pulmonale and  (g) pulmonary embolism without mention of acute cor pulmonale in each of the last five years.

Simon Burns: The information is not available in the format requested because the Department does not collect the cost to national health service providers of treating individual diagnoses.

WOMEN AND EQUALITIES

Apprentices: Equality and Human Rights Commission

Stephen Barclay: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities how many apprentices were in post at the Equality and Human Rights Commission on the latest date for which figures are available; and how many such apprentices recruited in the last 12 months  (a) were previously apprentices,  (b) had been long-term unemployed and  (c) are graduates.

Lynne Featherstone: holding answer 28 October 2010
	The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is an independent body. The following is based on information it has provided.
	Three apprentices were in post at the EHRC at 27 October 2010.
	Of the apprentices recruited in the last 12 months:
	 (a) None were previously apprentices;
	 (b) None were long-term unemployed; and
	 (c) None were graduates.

Departmental Equality

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities what plans she has to publish equality impact assessments undertaken by the Government Equalities Office as part of the comprehensive spending review; and if she will make a statement.

Lynne Featherstone: holding answer  20 October  2010
	The Treasury has published an overview of the impact of the spending review on groups protected by equalities legislation. Full assessments of impact, where necessary, will be done when Departments develop and implement policies.
	The majority of the Government Equalities Office's (GEOs) budget goes to the two bodies it currently sponsors, the Women's National Commission (WNC) and the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). It has published an equality impact assessment on the closure of the WNC and will publish further material when developing and consulting on options for reforming the EHRC. All changes at the GEO itself will be carried out in accordance with its statutory equality duties.

TREASURY

Aggregates Levy: Northern Ireland

Margaret Ritchie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with the European Commission on the future of the Northern Ireland Aggregates Levy Credit Scheme.

Justine Greening: On behalf of HM Treasury, the Chancellor and officials held discussions with Commission representatives earlier this month and are working closely with the Commission to try to achieve the Government's objective of re-introducing the scheme at the earliest opportunity.

Aviation: Taxation

Henry Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has for the future taxation of the aviation industry; and if he will make a statement.

Justine Greening: The Government confirmed at the June Budget that it would explore possible changes to the aviation tax system, including the option of switching from a per-passenger to a per-plane duty. Any major changes will be subject to public consultation.

Banks: Pay

John Mann: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with UK banks on the size of their bonus pools for 2010-11.

Mark Hoban: As part of the work being undertaken to reform the financial services sector, the Government are taking action to tackle unacceptable bonuses throughout the banking sector.
	The FSA has consulted on the revision of the Remuneration Code; and banks subject to the code have been invited to provide feedback. The revised rules will be in place by 1 January 2011 and will ensure bonuses are deferred over a number of years and are linked to the performance of the employee and their firm. In addition, significant portions of any bonus will be paid in shares or other securities.

Barclays: Burma

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent reports he has received of compliance by Barclays Bank with the provisions of EU financial sanctions on Burma; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Hoban: The Treasury has received no such reports.

Beer: Business

Therese Coffey: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will commission a fresh impact assessment of the operation of small breweries' relief.

Justine Greening: The Treasury keeps all tax reliefs under review, and is in regular contact with representatives of the brewing industry about a range of issues, including small breweries relief.

Child Benefit

Helen Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the  (a) number of households in Warrington North constituency that will be affected by the proposed changes in child benefit and  (b) proportion of those households which comprise (i) single parents and (ii) couples with only one wage earner.

Paul Uppal: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of people in Wolverhampton South West constituency who will be affected by his proposal to change the eligibility criteria for child benefit.

David Gauke: Information on household income for child benefit claimants is not available at parliamentary constituency level.

Child Benefit: Carlisle

John Stevenson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many families in Carlisle constituency are in receipt of child benefit.

David Gauke: The information requested on the number of families receiving child benefit on Carlisle constituency can be found at:
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/child benefit/chb-geog-aug09.pdf
	This data is based on the August 2009 snapshot of all child benefit claims.

Child Tax Credit

Douglas Alexander: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has made a recent estimate of the number of households  (a) in each Government Office region and  (b) nationally that receive working tax credit childcare element of between 70 and 80 per cent. of their child tax credit payments.

Justine Greening: All families benefiting from the child care element will be affected by the change announced in the spending review.
	The latest information on the number of households benefiting from the child care element, by region, is available in the HMRC snapshot publication "Child and Working Tax Credits Statistics. Geographical Analyses", available at:
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/cwtc-geog-stats.htm

Child Trust Fund: Lewisham

Joan Ruddock: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the cost to the public purse was of the provision of Child Trust Fund payments to the residents of Lewisham, Deptford constituency in each year since the scheme's inception; and how many such funds were established for children in the constituency in each such year.

Mark Hoban: Statistical information about Child Trust Funds is published on HM Revenue and Customs' website at
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ctf/stats.htm
	The latest Westminster constituency information published in autumn 2009, and in advance of the 2010 general election boundary changes, shows that 7,623 children born on or before 6 April 2008 in the Lewisham, Deptford constituency had a Child Trust Fund account.
	All eligible children currently receive a payment from the government to open their Child Trust Fund account with children in low income families also getting an additional government payment. The total cost of Government payments to child trust funds is not available at constituency level.

Departmental Manpower

Gregg McClymont: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many officials his Department has appointed on a fixed-term contract since 7 May 2010.

Justine Greening: The number of officials who have been appointed to HM Treasury on fixed-term contract since 7 May 2010 is 52.

Disabled Persons Tax Credit: Carlisle

John Stevenson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many families in Carlisle constituency are in receipt of disabled persons' tax credit.

David Gauke: The number of families in Carlisle constituency benefiting from tax credits, with at least one disabled adult or child in the household is 240.
	This information is based on snapshot data on the number of families benefiting from child and working tax credits, by each parliamentary constituency. It is available in the HMRC snapshot publication "Child and Working Tax Credits Statistics. Geographical Analyses. April 2010". This can be found at:
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/cwtc-geog-apr2010.pdf

Employment and Support Allowance

Douglas Alexander: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his estimates of the savings likely to accrue as a result of placing a time limit on the contributory employment and support allowance included assumptions on behavioural change.

Chris Grayling: I have been asked to reply.
	We have not included assumptions relating to behavioural change in the costing for the savings likely to accrue as a result of time-limiting contributory employment and support allowance for customers in the work related activity group.

Excise Duties: Fuels

Angus MacNeil: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects the pilot scheme of fuel duty discount for rural areas to begin; what criteria his Department used to decide which communities would be involved in the pilot; for how long the pilot will run before consideration of extension of the scheme is extended to other areas; and which islands in Scotland he expects to qualify for the scheme when it is fully rolled out.

Justine Greening: The Government intend to introduce a pilot scheme that will deliver a maximum of 5p per litre duty discount on petrol and diesel in remote rural areas. The Government are currently considering the exact scope of the pilots and at present has announced their intention to include the Inner and Outer Hebrides, the Northern Isles, and the Isles of Scilly. The Government will report back to the House, in due course, prior to submitting a formal proposal on the scope and design of the scheme to the European Commission.

Export Credits Guarantee Department: Pakistan

Joan Walley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will discuss with the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills the cancellation of debts owed by Pakistan to the Export Credits Guarantee Department.

Mark Hoban: Ministers regularly discuss a wide range of policy issues. The Government of Pakistan has not asked for debt relief and we do not consider debt relief to be the most effective way to support Pakistan at this time.

National Insurance: Exemptions

Grahame Morris: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what account he took of variations in levels of need in the North East when developing his proposals for national insurance exemptions for new businesses.

David Gauke: The employer National Insurance Contributions holiday for new businesses is intended to promote the formation of new businesses employing staff in those countries and regions most reliant on public sector employment. Almost 25% of workers in the North East are employed in the public sector making it one of the regions the Government decided should be covered by the scheme.
	Within regions there will be areas with higher or lower levels of public sector employment but targeting smaller geographical areas would be costly and complex to administer and would not reflect that in practice labour markets generally extend more widely.

Office for Budget Responsibility: Finance

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer other than the budget announced in the autumn forecast, how much funding has been provided to support the activities of the Office for Budget Responsibility; and how much funding has been provided to resource the Budget Responsibility Committee.

Justine Greening: The Permanent Secretary to the Treasury has written to the Chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) to confirm the funding arrangements agreed with the OBR for the Spending Review period. The OBR is being given a multi-year settlement of £1.75 million per year (flat cash for the period). This settlement funds all of the OBR's activities.

Oil: Prices

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  when he expects to publish his response to the Office for Budget Responsibility's report on the effect of oil price fluctuations on the public finances;
	(2)  what his policy is on a fair fuel stabiliser.

Justine Greening: In the June Budget the Government asked the Office for Budget Responsibility to undertake an assessment of the effect of oil price fluctuations on the public finances. The Office of Budget Responsibility published its report on 14 September.
	The Government are considering the Office for Budget Responsibility's assessment and will report back as part of the usual Budget process.

Public Expenditure

Grahame Morris: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the likely effects of implementation of the proposals in the Comprehensive Spending Review on  (a) the number of public sector jobs in County Durham and  (b) the number of women employed in such jobs.

Danny Alexander: The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) released, as part of its Budget forecasts on 22 June 2010, projections for whole economy
	employment to 2015-16.
	Further information on its employment forecast, including projections for general government employment, was released on 30 June 2010 in its document 'OBR forecast: Employment', which can be found at:
	http://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/publications.html
	A revised forecast will be released on 29 November 2010.
	The OBR has not published forecasts by region or gender.

Public Expenditure

Mary Creagh: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish his Department's regional impact assessment on the 2010 Spending Review.

Danny Alexander: It is for Departments to decide how to best prioritise resources within their departmental expenditure limits. The regional consequences will only become apparent once these decisions have been made. Government spending is determined by criteria that includes spatial aspects, but is dominated by deprivation and demand. Therefore the impact of the spending review is best measured by income distribution. This was included for the first time in the SR document, and can be found in Annex B of the document or online at
	www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/spend_sr2010_impact_households.htm
	However, the Treasury published what actions are being taken to encourage growth in each region, and how each region will benefit from schemes announced in the spending review, including capital investment programmes. This information is available online at
	www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/spend_sr2010_regions.htm

Public Expenditure

William Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Government plans to implement his proposals to  (a) reduce the number of Criminal Records Bureau checks for junior doctors,  (b) distribute National Insurance numbers to people with a letter instead of a plastic card and  (c) increase the selling of surplus and second-hand Government equipment by expanding the use of Ministry of Defence's e-Disposals service for use across all Government departments.

Danny Alexander: The proposals you outline above were all as a result of ideas received through the Government's spending challenge website and were announced as policy by the Chancellor on 10 September. The relevant Government Departments will now be taking forward the implementation and roll-out of these proposals. For example HMRC have already this October stopped issuing replacement national insurance cards and have said that from 2011 they will be issuing all national insurance numbers to people by letter rather than providing a plastic card, saving the Government up to £1 million a year in upfront costs.

Public Expenditure

William Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the implementation costs of  (a) reducing the number of Criminal Records Bureau checks for junior doctors,  (b) distributing national insurance numbers to people with a letter instead of a plastic card and  (c) increasing the selling of surplus and second-hand government equipment by expanding the use of the Ministry of Defence's eDisposals service for use across all Government departments.

Danny Alexander: The proposals you outline above were all as a result of ideas received through the Government's spending challenge website and were announced as policy by the Chancellor on 10 September. Cost benefit analysis to ensure that implementing these policies represented good value for money was undertaken by the relevant Departments for all these ideas before they were announced.

Public Sector: North West

Helen Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the change in the number of public sector jobs in  (a) Warrington and  (b) the North West in each of the next five years.

Danny Alexander: The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) released, as part of its Budget forecasts on 22 June 2010, projections for whole economy employment to 2015-16.
	Further information on its employment forecast, including projections for general government employment, was released on 30 June 2010 in its document "OBR forecast: Employment", which can be found on the following webpage:
	http://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/publications.html
	A revised forecast will be released on 29 November 2010.
	The OBR has not published forecasts on a sub-national level.

Public Sector: Pay

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the proportion of public sector workers earning less than £21,000 per year who will receive a pay rise of at least £250 in  (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13; and if he will make a statement.

Danny Alexander: The Budget announced a two-year pay freeze from 2011-12 for public sector work forces, except for those earning the full-time equivalent of £21,000 or less, who will receive an increase of at least £250 per year. Approximately 1.7 million public sector workers (excluding the devolved Administrations and public corporations), earn £21,000 or less.
	For those areas where pay is not set centrally, it will be up to individual employers to determine their own pay policy. Therefore, while the Government will expect similar restraint in these areas, it is not possible to state with certainty the proportion of those public sector workers earning £21,000 or less who will receive £250.

Public Sector: Richmond Park

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the effect on the number of public sector jobs in Richmond Park constituency of the reductions in departmental spending announced in the Comprehensive Spending Review.

Danny Alexander: The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) released, as part of its Budget forecasts on 22 June 2010, projections for whole economy
	employment to 2015-16.
	Further information on its employment forecast, including projections for general Government employment, was released on 30 June 2010 in its document 'OBR forecast: Employment', which can be found on the following webpage:
	http://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/publications.html
	A revised forecast will be released on 29 November 2010.
	The OBR has not published forecasts on a sub-national level.

Research and Development Tax Credit

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of research and development credits in  (a) 2011-12,  (b) 2012-13,  (c) 2013-14 and  (d) 2014-15.

Justine Greening: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), and I have asked the OBR to reply.
	 Letter from Robert Chote, dated 1 November 2010:
	As Chair of the Budget Responsibility Committee of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), I have been asked to reply to your recent question:
	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of research and development credits in (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13, (c) 2013-14 and (d) 2014-15. 20765
	The interim OBR's June 2010 Budget forecast incorporated a forecast for research and development credits. Research and development tax credits are included in the corporation tax credits line in Table C11 (p100) in the June Budget. The element of R&D tax credits which are paid out to firms with no tax liability are treated as AME expenditure and included in the tax credits line in Table C13 (p102) in the June Budget.
	Following your request for supplementary information on its forecasts, the Office for Budget Responsibility will release the specific information on R&D tax credits on 18 November 2010, at 11am. This information will be published on the OBR website, and copies of all published material will be made available to Parliament. This is in accordance with our publication procedure, which is available on our website at:
	http://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/d/release_policy.pdf

Working Tax Credit

Douglas Alexander: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his estimate of the level of savings which will accrue from his proposed changes to the working hours requirement for the working tax credit includes assumptions on behavioural changes.

Justine Greening: The estimate of the level of savings which will accrue from his proposed changes to the working hour's requirement for couples with children does not include behavioural assumptions.
	The policy costings for the Spending Review do not generally include indirect behavioural effects. If the Office for Budget Responsibility judges them to be significant they will be captured in their autumn 2010 economic forecast.